Hawthorns fundraiser in memory of tragic Christina Edkins

The fundraising event at the home of West Bromwich Albion has been organised by a close family friend of the 16-year-old, who was killed on a bus on her way to school.

Any cash raised by ticket sales and on the night will go to a fund set up in the Leasowes High School pupil's memory, and to support work with youths carried out by West Midlands Police.

Organiser Phil Ashbourne, aged 38 and from Quinton, said: "I work at Tesco at Five Ways and Kathy, Christina's mum, works in the store and we have been friends for a long time.

"With it being just after the first anniversary of her death, we want to do something positive to raise awareness and funds."

The night will be hosted by ITV Central News presenter Sameena Ali-Khan, and will feature two live acts, Michael Buble tribute Michael Clews, and the Duelling Pianos.

There will also be an auction with prizes including a 40 inch television, iPad Air, iPhone and West Bromwich Albion shirts, and a raffle with items such as bottles of Moet and gift vouchers up for grabs.

At the moment around 120 people have been confirmed for the evening, with tickets having been paid for, but Mr Ashbourne would like at least another 30 or 40 people to buy tickets and head along to the event.

Christina was attacked by mentally ill Philip Simelane, who later pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was sentenced to an indeterminate hospital order.

The popular teenager died at the scene of the attack, which happened on board the number nine bus travelling along Hagley Road in Birmingham, on March 7 last year.

In the wake of her death, earlier this month Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris called for mandatory prison sentences for people caught carrying knives.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Morris said a mandatory prison sentence should be given to 'send the strongest signal that carrying knives is unacceptable and will be punished'.

The event, being held in the Richardson Suite at the Hawthorns, kicks off at 6.30pm and ends at 1am on Saturday (MAY 31).

Tor tickets, which cost £45, call Mr Ashbourne on 07590 686741, or email philtashbourne@hotmail.com.