The friends and family of a ‘football mad’ woman who died in a crash at Brockholes Brow have been left distraught after Liverpool FC said they couldn’t provide a signed team shirt for her funeral.
AdvertisementRachel Marie Murphy, 23, from Ribbleton, died on Wednesday 20 April after being struck by a car on the A59.
Friends of the family are working to help organise the funeral and had contacted the Liverpool FC Foundation team.
Update: Liverpool FC have now sent a full personalised kit to Rachel’s family
Catherine Carter, from Broadgate, had known Rachel since she was three.
She had emailed the club asking if they could help but received confirmation they could not help.
Catherine’s email said: “It would mean the world to us as her mum is a very ill lady.
“Please can we find a way to honour Rachel’s huge passion for LFC since being a baby.
“We are trying to send Rachel to the angels with a full strip. Please help me comfort this family.”
Related: Tributes paid to Brockholes Brow crash victim Rachel Murphy
Rachel is understood to have saved the life of 15-year-old Megan Blakey, who was with her at the time, by pushing her clear of an oncoming vehicle.
Another of Rachel’s friends, 17-year-old Shelby Maher, died in hospital following the incident,.
An initial response from the club confirmed they would send a letter of condolence to Rachel’s parents from the club.
Catherine’s further response outlined Rachel’s actions.
She wrote: “Please I am begging you. Rachel would save up every spare penny from her part time job to buy the latest Liverpool kit.
“Please let Rachel be honoured by wearing your signed shirt on her last journey.”
A further response from the club’s foundation said: “Unfortunately we are unable to offer you a signed shirt for Rachel. We are sorry we are unable to help with this due to the number of requests we receive. We send our sincere condolences to you at this difficult time.”
Preston Police said the investigation into the Brockholes Brow crash was still ongoing.
A 21-year-old, from Blackburn, who was driving a BMW, was treated for shock at the scene.
No arrests have been made and no file has been passed to the coroner.
What do you think about the club’s decision? Did you know Rachel? Let us know your views in the comments below