#forgeorgia - Shropshire Star's Georgia Williams appeal is launched

As the one-year anniversary of her death approaches, we are backing a campaign inspired by her that can help thousands of teenagers achieve their dreams.

The Georgia Williams Trust has already raised more than £50,000.

And today we are launching a brand new text service that will enable people to give donations at a touch of a button.

Georgia,17, was murdered by 23-year-old Jamie Reynolds, a man she considered her friend.

Her death shattered her family and left a whole town devastated.

But her parents Steve and Lynnette and sister Scarlett decided that something positive should come out of the tragedy.

The Georgia Williams Trust provides grants to help 11 to 18-year-olds realise their aspirations and to make a difference in their community.

Today the Shropshire Star is adding its support to the trust with the launch of the 70070 text line.

Mr Williams said: "We want Georgia's spirit to live on.

"The new text line will be a major boost to our campaign by making it easier for people to give."

HOW TO GIVE TO THE GEORGIA WILLIAMS APPEAL:

It's easy to give:

• By text: Text FERR31 followed by the amount you want to give to 70070 - for example, to give £5, text FERR31£5

• By post: Send a cheque payable to The Georgia Williams Trust to Georgia Appeal, Newsdesk, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford TF1 5HU

• From your bank account: Log on to thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org for details

Trustees of the charity set up in her name have spoken of the indelible mark Georgia made on her community and how her legacy lives on.

Mark Berry, who is also the director for fan and community liaison at AFC Telford where Georgia was a match day volunteer, said that the 17-year-old had been a regular fixture around the New Bucks Head ground from a very early age.

"Her grandfather John had drawn her into our family to help him selling 50/50 lottery tickets," he said. "Our supporters became very used to seeing her smiling face as she waved the book of tickets in front of them.

"As she grew she took on a role in the match day finance office counting money from the 50/50 draw and from programme sales.

"But Georgia, like all our staff, volunteers and supporters means far more than simply the work she did on a Saturday, she embodied the values of our community as well as anyone," he said. Georgia was a doer, always willing to get involved and committed to whatever she believed in. She was passionate about making a difference and in playing a full part in the community."

Mr Berry said that the teenager was well known to staff and fans at the club based in Wellington.

He said: "In a family of two thousand people not everyone knows everyone else's name, but Georgia was instantly recognizable as she walked around the stadium and attended club functions.

"Her distinctive hair of course helped, but more significant was the way that she carried herself and the smile she showed to everyone she met.

"In the days following the tragedy the football club came together to support each other and to stand strong for our town.

"We shared in the grief of many and in each other's memories. Georgia and her family will always be a part of our community.

"Georgia grins down constantly from the banner over the David Hutchinson stand and a flag in her memory has travelled to every away game this season.

"But her real impact on the club will last far longer than those."

He added: "Georgia has become an icon of what makes communities like AFC Telford work, a desire to get involved, a willingness play your part and a commitment to stand firm together against anything which tries to knock us down."

Garry Phillips, principal at New College in Wellington where Georgia studied, described Georgia as a "model student" and "caring individual".

He said: "Georgia was a vibrant, charismatic, adventurous, spirited, caring and compassionate individual.

"She was actively engaged in all college activities and was an ambassador for the college in every sense, including being a pro-active member of the student council.

"Not only would she join in activities and charity events to help others but would actively encourage and support others who perhaps lacked confidence themselves to take part and join in.

"She was a key contributor in outdoor education and sports and would be up for all challenges and opportunities.

"She always went the extra mile to get the very most out of any experience or opportunity.

"She supported not only students in her immediate group but also in the wider college community not only in her role as student council member, but also because that was Georgia's nature."

Mr Phillips said the trust is a real legacy of Georgia and that the college is extremely honoured to name the trust as its adopted charity.

"The college is proud to be a part of the Georgia Williams Trust as it embodies Georgia's, and her family's, ethos of encouraging people to join in and try new things; to develop skills and contribute to the local community and local commerce.

"The Georgia Williams Trust is New College Telford's adopted charity. The trust is a real legacy of Georgia, and countless students have already benefitted from organising or joining in fundraising activities, or indeed directly benefitted from the monies raised.

"This is not just giving in financial terms but has help students with their self-confidence, self-belief and self-discipline.

"It has provided them with opportunities to participate that they may not otherwise have had without the support of the College and the trust.

"This, in turn, is helping them to become more rounded individuals which, through the acquisition of transferable skills, will ultimately benefit both themselves and their local communities."

• Also in today's Shropshire Star - As the first anniversary of Georgia Williams' death approaches, we talk to her family and look at the success of the trust set up in her name