AS they prepare to say goodbye to their “shining star” the family of Sian Ryan were today toasting her GCSE results - just two weeks after she died.

AS they prepare to say goodbye to their “shining star” the family of Sian Ryan were today toasting her GCSE results - just two weeks after she died.

The 16-year-old would have picked up her grades on Thursday with the rest of her year group at Copleston High School.

But Sian was killed when the Citroen Saxo in which she was travelling collided with an Audi A3 Tdi before hitting a signpost on the westbound carriageway of the A14 on August 17.

The bubbly teen's devastated family, still struggling to come to terms with the huge gap in their lives, were forced to learn how well she had done without her.

Heartbroken mum Chrissie Ryan said her daughter's form tutor and head of year at Copleston hand delivered her results.

Mrs Ryan said they were over the moon after discovering Sian had achieved excellent grades, gaining five Bs and two Cs, despite being forced to take six months off school last year due to illness.

Popping a bottle of bubbly to mark her efforts, Mrs Ryan said: “She did fantastically well after having so much time off.

“We are all very proud of her, even more proud. We opened a couple of bottles of champagne to celebrate - she would have loved that, us all celebrating her.

“She hated science and she got a B in it so we had a good laugh remembering her when we opened her results.”

Sian had enrolled at Suffolk New College to start a public services course this September before applying to study a degree in criminology at Essex University.

As the final preparations are made for her funeral on Friday, Mrs Ryan said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

The family, who have hundreds of photos of their 'Sianny' around their home in Alan Road, have received hundreds of cards and flowers from friends, teachers and colleagues of the 16-year-old.

Mrs Ryan said her family are still gaining strength and comfort from Sian's friends and those that knew her sharing their memories.

She added: “Sian herself gives us so much strength - that is the sort of girl she was.

“We sat around after opening her results and just laughed. She was so funny and bubbly and talking about her and remembering her helps us all.”

Pay tribute to Sian - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

A SEA of bright colours is expected as Sian's friends join her family to say goodbye at her funeral on Friday.

The service will take place at 3.30pm in both the east and west chapels at Ipswich Crematorium followed by a party to celebrate Sian at the Newton Road Conservative Club.

One of her elder sisters, Keely Walker, said the family have requested people donate money to the East Anglian Children's Hospice (EACH) rather than bringing flowers.

Mrs Ryan said: “We have hundreds of flowers here at home and Sianny absolutely loved children, she would have made a brilliant mum, so we thought it was fitting we ask people to donate to EACH in her memory. It is better the children benefit.”

The service, to be conducted by Mary Sokanvic, will feature some of Sian's favourite songs, including 'Halo' by Beyonce, 'Run' by Leona Lewis and 'Footprints in the Sand', also by the X Factor winner.

The family are determined to celebrate her life and are requesting that mourners, if they feel comfortable, wear bright colours to celebrate Sian's bubbly and outgoing personality.

If you would like to send a donation please make cheques payable to East Anglian Childrens Hospice, and send them c/o Michael Smy Funeral Service, 145 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP3 8EB.