A family fun day held in memory of a Ledbury teenager has raised thousands of pounds for good causes.

The event, held at the Verzon House Hotel at the end of August, celebrated the life of Molly Stone, who died in a car crash on the A438 in November 2022.

The day was organised by Molly’s sister Abbie and raised £5,800, which is being split between two charities.

The ELY Memorial Fund offers assistance with funeral costs when young people are killed in road traffic collisions in Herefordshire. RoadPeace is a national charity for road crash victims in the UK.

Live music, a BBQ and cocktail bar provided the backdrop, while festivities included a range of pursuits, from archery and face painting to bouncy castles and even an animal petting area.

Abbie, who used to work at the hotel, said: “It was a lot of hard work and effort from all of the team at Verzon House and I’m so proud of all the staff for getting behind such a worthy cause.

“Given the circumstances surrounding Molly’s death and how close we’re located to the crash site, we only thought it right to honour her memory while raising money for the two charities closest to us.

“Although I could never have imagined this time last year that I wouldn’t have my little sister with me, I know she’d be so proud of everything we’re doing to make a difference.

“Over 300 people attended and if even one of those 300 now knows a little more about road crime, road death, and the charities, it makes it all worth it.”

Abbie said this is just the start of the work the family will do to give back to those that have helped them.

“Above all, I want to thank my sister,” she said. “I know she’s with me in everything I’m doing, it’s all for her.”

Abbie and her family would also like to thank West Mercia Police for their support.

Douglas Jeynes, general manager of the Verzon House Hotel, said: “I felt incredibly honoured to be able to hold this event for Abbie and her family and was thrilled at the amount of support the event received from so many local families.”