Teeanger pays tribute to boyfriend Ash

A TEENAGER today paid a loving tribute to her boyfriend before a memorial event on the day that would have been a milestone in their relationship.

Shireen Halls was on holiday in July with boyfriend Ashley Surtees and his parents when Ashley drowned in a hotel swimming pool.

Miss Halls, 17, is among a group of Ashley's peers holding a memorial music event on Friday - which would have been the day the young couple were celebrating ten month's of their relationship.

Miss Halls, of Combs, said: “There have been so many tears and time spent going over the day, so now it seems time to celebrate his life.

“This will be a happy event, and as we would have been celebrating our anniversary together, it's nice that I'll still be celebrating.

“I really saw my future with him and can't describe how much I miss him.

“He was such a popular lad and we are expecting around 250 family and friends on the night.

“He loved going to gigs and getting everyone together, so he would have loved it.

“What money we raise we are hoping to put towards a memorial bench at his favourite fishing spot.”

The gig on Friday is at the Riverside Social Club in Stowmarket and will host two bands featuring Ashley's old school pal Sam Robson, 18.

Sam, his brother Joe and friends Chris and Jack Oates will play as their rock/indie band Age of Consent, while Brighton progressive rock band Thank U Anyway- also featuring Sam - will also play.

His friends have had t-shirts printed with “Ash's Crew” to wear on the night.

Ashley, of Walnut Tree Walk, Stowmarket, was 17 when he died on holiday in Gran Canaria. Miss Halls and his parents Jerry and Samantha were sunbathing just feet away when he drowned on July 11. It is believed he got stuck to a filter at the bottom of the pool.

N Would you like to pay tribute to Ashley? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk