AS family and classmates gathered today to celebrate the life of a talented teenager who was an inspiration to others, the smile of Kara Tournay-Godfrey will shine on.

By Amanda Cresswell

AS family and classmates gathered today to celebrate the life of a talented teenager who was an inspiration to others, the smile of Kara Tournay-Godfrey will shine on.

The Copleston High pupil died at the age of 16 after a long battle against liver disease.

As family and friends said their final farewells at St Augustine's Church in Ipswich, head teacher Laurie Robinson, paid tribute to the courageous and gifted girl.

"Kara's courage was an inspiration to staff and students," he said. "She was an excellent academic, a gifted musician, a good singer, an excellent artist and an all-round talented person. She was always cheerful."

Nine teachers will be among the gathering of family and friends paying respects to Kara at today's funeral.

Floral tributes and cards decorated the funeral directors today. Among them was a poignant poem written by Kara's 20-year-old sister Jade.

"When I'm sad she comes to me in a thousand smiles she gives to me free," she wrote.

Kara will always be remembered as a shining star and her family want the caring youngster's memory to live on by naming a room in her honour at Ipswich Hospital. They are hoping to raise £11,000 for Bergholt Ward where Kara spent her last weeks and to transform the garden with a patio and decking.

Her mother Delia, 43, said: "She was always smiling, happy, considerate, caring. She was my inspiration and always will be. She was brave for everybody. She was a beautiful person and everyone who met her loved her."

Donations should be sent to Kara's Room, Bergholt Amenity Fund, c/o Michael Smy Funeral Services, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich.