Devastated friends and family of a much-loved woman have staged an emotional event to celebrate her life.
Hundreds of black balloons were released into sky over St Helen Auckland this evening to mark the life of Natalie Marshall.
The 25-year-old, who lived in the village near Bishop Auckland, died when her car crashed into a tree last week.
Friends and loved ones gathered near the skate park for the event as they continue to mourn her death.
Dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, in accordance with Natalie's wishes, about 100 people braved a downpour to release the black balloons.
It was organised by Natalie’s close friend Hannah Bellwood, 20, a hairdresser, who also lives in St Helen Auckland.
She said: "It went well, the weather could have been a bit better though.
"She has had a good turn out. There has been a friendly atmosphere and people have been sharing a lot of happy memories of Natalie. It has been nice."
The crash took place just after 3am on Friday, June 17, on the A167 on the outskirts of Darlington.
Her passenger, Chris Walton, 22, from West Auckland, suffered serious injuries and remains in James Cook University Hospital undergoing treatment.
Close family friend Shannon Murray, 25, from Crook, who has started an online fundraiser to help provide for Natalie's youngster sisters, is helping to plan Natalie's funeral.
She said: "The next thing we need to do now is to give her the best send off that she deserves.
"We had spoken about this before and Natalie's wishes were all black everything and sunglasses. This was just what she wanted.
"We had all discussed what we want if anything happens to any of us, we are bit of a weird bunch of friends.
"It is so that if anything did happen then we would be able to do it for that person.
"The way the community has come round and the responses we are getting on Facebook and the donations has been incredible. The GoFundMe is on until July 20 so we will run it until then and take it from there."
Natalie, who worked in sales at EE mobile phone shop in Bishop Auckland, had recently become the legal guardian of her two younger sisters, Corrina-Mae, 17, and Shannon, 14.
Read more: Fundraiser to help Natalie's teenage sisters
Natalie’s elder sister, Chloe Coleman, a 28-year-old domestic assistant, is now the legal guardian of the girls.
In a moving tribute to Natalie she said: “I know you knew how much you meant to me because we where always on the other end of that phone whether it was 3pm or 3am.
“You always came to me when you needed to and you were always there when I needed you.
“You will always be with me whenever I go and I know you will guide me in the right direction in this life.
“I’ll never forget all the memories we have made growing up and I will always feel privileged to have been your big sister.
“All photos are memories and yours will be cherished forever.
“Sleep tight my girl, I’ll always love you.”
Balloon Buddies supplied the balloons for the release and all profits are being donated to Natalie’s family.
So far around £5,000 had been raised. To donate click here
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