Walsall railway tragedy: School raising money towards funeral for girl killed by train

The schoolgirl, who has not yet officially named, studied at Wednesbury's Wood Green Academy and was hit by a train at Wallows Lane foot crossing, near to the Bescot Stadium in Walsall, on September 26.

The school has now taken to crowd funding site Just Giving to help raise money for her family to help cover funeral and memorial costs.

The public's response to the appeal has seen more than £2,000 raised in just five days, with the total currently standing at £2,372 thanks to 168 donations.

The stated aim for the fundraising campaign is £5,000.

A statement from Wood Green Academy reads: "The tragic death of one of our students has affected the whole school community deeply and we have been touched by the support received.

"As a community, we would like to support the family of our student and raise money to help pay for any of the associated funeral and memorial costs.

"The response from the Wood Green family at this heart breaking time has been overwhelming.

"As our student's family and friends attempt to come to terms with their loss, the support generated from this fund will at least alleviate some of the financial burden that they face.

"All donations - no matter how small - will help to make a difference and support a grieving family."

Tributes have been shared on the page from people who have donated towards the cause, with Lucy Stocks writing: "Like everyone else at Wood Green I will miss your hellos and smiles around school.

"You will always be in our hearts xxx"

Meanwhile, Madeleine Cotterill wrote: "Rest in peace sweet angel.

"Thoughts and prayers with the family x"

The young girls death led to calls for a safety re-think in relation to the crossing at Wallows Lane from community leaders and saw the site closed for 21 days.

An official date for an inquest into the death has not yet been revealed by Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique.