Family and friends of an Oxford schoolgirl who died of meningitis a year ago will gather tomorrow to remember her life.

Kyomie Williams, who was 12 and a pupil at Cheney School, Headington, died on November 10, 2006, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, shortly after falling ill.

Her mother, Jackie Williams said anyone who knew and cared for her daughter would be welcome to gather at Wolvercote Cemetery, where Kyomie is buried, at 1pm today.

She said: "It is very hard and I have got tears. It kills me at night time.

"She was lovely. She was my angel and my princess, my baby girl, and she always will be."

One of Kyomie's friends is hoping to build a memorial garden to her at school.

Kyle Craig, 16, of Aldbarton Drive, has already approached teachers and is hoping to hold a non-uniform fundraising event to collect money to dig the garden.

He said: "I want a place where people can go at school to pay their respects.

"I would really like to get it going as soon as possible because I think it is important there is something there at the school to remember her."

He added: "It's very important to keep her memory alive. I grew up with her and it was a big loss for all of us really. I miss her hugely."

Miss Williams, who lives in the city centre, said she would be saying a few words at the cemetery and she hoped people would come and share in her grief and remember Kyomie.

She said she had been overwhelmed by the response after Kyomie died.

She added: "I have received RIPs from people I don't even know, it has been beautiful and fantastic."

Miss Williams said the last year had been very difficult but she took strength from Kyomie's friends, who visited the schoolgirl's grave every fortnight.

She said: "I dream about her every single night. She is never out of my head, never, and I can see her so clearly when I am dreaming about her - but they are happy, lovely dreams.

"She loved football, hockey and swimming. She was a pure, beautiful girl who was well-known to everybody and well-loved by everybody, even though she always spoke her mind to people."

After visiting the cem- etery, friends of Kyomie are invited to her grandmother's house, in Bernwood Road, Barton, for refreshments and to share stories about the popular schoolgirl.

Close friends of Miss Williams will be gathering in the evening to remember her.

Among those attending is close friend Celeste Pryth- erch, 15, of Barton, who said: "She was just a bubbly person and we used to have fun.

"I think about her most of the time - but in a good way."

Miss Williams asked people to make donations to the Meningitis Trust in Kyomie's memory - and warned parents to be aware of the dangers and not to dismiss symptoms as flu.

Donations can be made by calling 0800 0281828 or going to www.meningitis-trust.org.