Today, a funeral was held for Jessica Baker, the 15-year-old girl who died in the school coach incident on the M53.
On 29 September, Jessica Baker and the driver, Stephen Shrimpton, aged 40, lost their lives when the vehicle lost control on the M53 in Wirral.
The funeral took place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Blacon, Chester, and the venue was full with those paying their respects.
For those unable to be accommodated in the church, a video link broadcasted the service to the adjacent school.
The cover of the service program featured an image of a climber, a tribute to Jessica, who had represented the North West and Wales in climbing competitions across the United Kingdom.
The coach was carrying over 50 pupils on their way to West Kirby Grammar School and Calday Grange Grammar School when the incident happened around 08:00 BST near junction 5 at Hooton.
Four of the passengers were hospitalised, and a 14-year-old sustained life-changing injuries.
Jessica’s relatives have expressed their gratitude for the support they’ve received.
Previously, the family said, “Jessica was a talented and dedicated climber who competed over the last seven years of her life across the UK representing both the North West and Wales.
“Jessica loved all sports and chose GCSE PE as one of her options, but her overriding passion was for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
“Despite being a teenager, Jessica was able to communicate with everyone she came into contact with regardless of their age. She was often seen offering support to fellow climbers on how to achieve a problem/route they were trying to complete.
“Jessica was planning to explore a career in sport in some way and was due to begin her coaching qualifications later this year towards this goal.
The family has set up an online memorial page for sharing memories of Jessica at https://jessicabaker.muchloved.com/ 
and are raising money towards Climbers Against Cancer, a charity close to her heart.
Image: Jessica Bake/Family handout
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