Friends, teachers and the family of a teenage girl who died in a car crash packed the hall at her school last night (July 1) for a touching concert of remembrance.
About 300 people gathered at Marlborough School, in Woodstock, where 15-year-old Sarah Ertl was a pupil, to see Students and staff perform alongside her father Toni.
The two-hour show, called Sarah's Concert, was organised by students to raise money for a permanent memorial to their friend in the school grounds.
Sarah, of Somerton, near Bicester, who was due to sit her GCSE exams this year, died on Saturday, May 21, when the car she was travelling in hit a tree on the B4030 near Hopcroft's Holt.
The second passenger, 15-year-old Gemma Blackman, of Middle Barton, died six days later in hospital.
Pupils from almost every year at the school took part in the concert, either performing or backstage, and some former pupils now studying at university also returned to take part.
Abi Spiller, a close friend of Sarah, sang We'll Never Forget You, which she wrote in Sarah's memory. The 16-year-old said: "I sat down on Monday evening and just began to write and this song came out of that. This will be the first time that most of her friends and her family will have heard it. It's for Sarah. It's about how we're all going to miss her."
Sarah's mother Christine and father Toni were in the audience, and were surprised to be presented with a CD of Abi's song after her performance.
Keen musician Mr Ertl was due to perform with his band, but friends stepped in to play alongside him when they realised the band had other commitments. Mr Ertl said: "I'm really pleased to be here and take part. I'm amazed at the level of ability and that people felt able to give their skills and their time in this way."
A group of staff also sang in tribute to Sarah, who was a great fan of the rock band Queen, with a performance of Don't Stop Me Now.
Headteacher Julie Fenn said: "I think it has been helpful for the students preparing the concert. Sarah was a very important part of their lives. The concert is for Toni and Christine -- they are wonderful people and they have been a great source of support."
RE teacher Claire MacCourt, who runs a school Christian group which Sarah attended, said: "She was just really colourful and full of laughter all the time. I hope the concert reflects her."
Students Hannah Hunter and Meg Bray said Sarah was an "unforgettable" part of their Christian fellowship and gave a Bible reading of Sarah's favourite verses from the Book of Corinthians.
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