The heartbroken parents of murdered teenager Georgia Williams have spoken for the first time about the devastating loss of their “beautiful daughter”.
The tragic 17-year-old’s body was found in woodland in North Wales days after she went missing from her home in Wellington, Shrops., on May 26.
Her school pal Jamie Reynolds, 22, was arrested in Glasgow two days later and has since appeared at court charged with her murder.
A post-mortem result found she had suffered strangulation injuries probably caused by having a ligature wrapped around her throat.
Georgia’s parents Steve and Lynette Williams gave an emotional first interview since her death.
The distraught couple told of their “beautiful, free-spirited” daughter as they shared memories of Georgia.
Speaking from their home on the day 5,000 wristbands went on sale for the Georgia Williams Trust – they revealed how they were determined to bring ‘hope from tragedy.’
Mr Williams, 56, – a serving detective constable with West Mercia Police – said: “You couldn’t have taken a fuller life away from anyone.
“She was my mate. We are devastated. “She was 100 miles per hour, would try anything and was kind to everyone regardless of their background.
“Since her tragic death we are just both amazed at how the community has come together.
“Georgia’s death is the worst tragedy for ourselves as her mother and father but as a community, for something good to come out of this, it’s got to work together.
“That’s businesses, councils, police and individuals and I hope this trust and Georgia’s legacy does that for Wellington.”
The couple said they have been “overwhelmed” by support since Georgia’s death – which they hope will help their home town rediscover its soul.
Georgia was a former head girl at Ercall Wood Technology College, in Wellington, and a corporal with 1130 Wrekin Squadron Air Training Corps.
She volunteered as match day staff for AFC Telford United and also worked part time at a service station.
Hundreds gathered in bright colours to celebrate her life at her funeral, held at All Saints’ Church in Wellington last month.
Mrs Williams, 51 , said: “The funeral was beautiful.
“I didn’t want it solemn and I didn’t want her going out quietly.
“Georgia was not like that, and everybody pulled out all the stops.”
Mr Williams added: “She was a typical teenager in lots of ways, but she was a kind person.
“That day, when everyone came out and showed their kindness, if that carries on and if people continue to respect each other regardless of religion, race and don’t have barriers, just say, ‘come on let’s join in and live together’, that will be Georgia’s legacy continued.”
The family also revealed they had received more than 400 cards, letters and flowers offering heartfelt condolences – some from total strangers.
Money raised through sales of the wristband will give underprivileged youngsters the chance to experience the outdoor adventures Georgia loved.
Inspector Richard Langton, chairman of the Georgia Williams Trust, said support for the charity had been “phenomenal” so far.
