A YEAR to the day since her death, the family and friends of Felixstowe schoolgirl Stevie Mayes will gather for the unveiling of a memorial to her life.

A YEAR to the day since her death, the family and friends of Felixstowe schoolgirl Stevie Mayes will gather for the unveiling of a memorial to her life.

Initially, her family had wanted just to plant a small yellow rose bush – her favourite colour – by which to remember their much-loved eight-year-old daughter.

But thanks to her school, Causton Junior, the idea has blossomed beyond their dreams and will now be a memorial garden where her name will live on.

Stevie, of Graham Road, Walton, Felixstowe, died on June 30 last year from a right pneumothorax, effectively a collapsed lung with her asthma being a contributory factor in her death.

Her mum Donna and dad Stevie , and brothers Daniel, 16, and Jason, 13, have been thrilled with the help they have received from the school – which teamed up with The Evening Star to launch the appeal – on the memorial.

"The memorial garden will be opened on June 30, which will be the first anniversary since Stevie died," said Mrs Mayes.

"Close friends and family have been invited and we are sure the garden will be a lovely and beautiful memorial to her."

The £1,300 memorial garden will be near the front entrance of the school in Maidstone Road so that it is a prominent feature.

It will be bordered by copper beech hedging and there will be a bench with Stevie's name engraved on a plaque inside.

A liquid amber tree, which has burgundy leaves, will also stand proudly inside in memory of the bubbly young girl, who was full of life, was adored by her parents and who loved the school.

Flower pots packed with shrubs and flowers will decorate a patio area nearby. Bulbs have already been planted by Stevie's schools friends.

Stevie's death shocked the community. Described by her parents as their perfect bundle of joy, she will always be remembered for her insatiable love of shopping, going into town and getting dressed up with friends, and her bright wide smile

Mr and Mrs Mayes went to Causton Junior after their daughter's death to speak to her school friends and tell them what had happened. They gave each child in Stevie's year four class a teddy bear or toy which belonged to her to comfort them and to remember her by.