THE funeral for a schoolgirl who died following a bus crash on the M53 in Wirral is due to take place today (Friday, October 26).
At around 8am on Friday, September 29, a school bus overturned after crashing into a reservation on the northbound section near Junction 5 at Hooton.
15-year-old Jessica, a pupil at West Kirby Grammar School and from Chester, and the 40-year-old driver, Stephen Shrimpton, from Ellesmere Port, died in the incident.
Jessica's funeral will take place today, Friday, at 12.30pm at St Theresa's Catholic Church in Blacon, followed by committal at Blacon Crematorium.
In a family tribute, released by Merseyside Police earlier this month, Jessica was described at "talented and dedicated" and someone who "loved all sports".
It said: "Jessica was a talented and dedicated climber who competed over the last seven years of her life across the UK representing both the North West and Wales.
"Jessica loved all sports and chose GCSE PE as one of her options, but her overriding passion was for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
"Despite being a teenager, Jessica was able to communicate with everyone she came into contact with regardless of their age. She was often seen offering support to fellow climbers on how to achieve a problem/route they were trying to complete.
"Jessica was planning to explore a career in sport in some way and was due to begin her coaching qualifications later this year towards this goal."
“In memory of Jessica an online ‘MuchLoved’ loved page has been set up to allow people to share their pictures/videos and thoughts of Jessica for the family to keep.
"Through the link below you can also donate in Jessica’s memory to “Climbers Against Cancer”, a charity that was close to her heart - https://jessicabaker.muchloved.com/.”
West Kirby Grammar School are also planning to "honour" their former pupil by raising £30,000 to allow them to "convert part of their existing quad into a vibrant climbing wall area in the hope of bringing joy to many for years to come".
They said: "Jessica was a dedicated friend who was a well-liked and respected member of our school community. She was an unassuming, polite and conscientious student who exemplified the values of our school.
"Jessica was also a keen sportswoman, representing her House and the school in numerous competitions, and demonstrating an unwavering love of - and commitment to - rock climbing, where she had previously represented Wales in national competitions."
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