Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Hundreds pay their respects to 'angel' Clare

Emma Mountford
11/ 9/2008

TRIBUTES have been paid to a young mum who drowned while on a weekend break.

Clare Burns, from Blackley, died after being pulled from the sea while enjoying a night out in Blackpool.

Devastated friends and family of Clare, who has a two-year-old son Jack, have been leaving messages on social networking site Facebook since her death over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

More than 300 people have now signed up to pay their respects on the emotional site to an ‘angel who was taken too soon’.

Leah Wardingham, 20, set up the site. She said: "Clare was taken from her loved ones in the most tragic way.

"No one will ever forget her or ever stop thinking about her. She was a top girl and had loads of friends who loved her very much.

"That’s why we’ve made this group –- so everyone who knew her can keep her memories going and tell everyone who didn't know her how much people really cared for her."

Other friends have posted their own memories.

Sian Hickman wrote: "Clare, I can’t believe you are gone. it was only the other week we were out in Oldham having a laugh! I'll always be thinking of you. Going to miss you."

Danielle Taylor added: "Clare, you were a special mum, sister, grandaughter, auntie, cousin and friend.

"You may not be with us now as you are with the angels but you will always be in our memories and hearts."

And Zophie Borodinsky said: "I honestly can’t believe this has happened, it feels so unreal.

"You have been such a good friend and always made me laugh. I'll never forget the good old days - those memories I will keep forever!"

Clare died on Sunday 24 August. Police received a call at around 2.30am saying a man and a woman were in the sea near to the cenotaph.

A 21-year-old man was found in the sea and taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Clare was found around 45 minutes later and was also taken to hospital, but later died.

Police say the death is now being treated as an accident and an inquest into her death is now set to be opened.

Clare’s funeral took place on Tuesday at Blackley Crematorium.