MILLY: THE MURDER PROBE: IN LOVING MEMORY OF A LOST FRIEND

THEY are simple, heart-rending words from two of Millie Dowler's best friends.

But yesterday, as the family of the murdered schoolgirl struggled to come to terms with their loss, they stood out as a poignant farewell to a beloved friend.

Nailed to a tree in the street where Millie was last seen alive, Cara Dawson's card said: "I will never forget you - you were such a great friend.

"We shared so many great and funny moments. I miss the sound of your laughter and I wish I could have just one more hug from you. I know that some day I will see you again and can't wait for that time to come."

A few miles away Millie's other best friend, Hannah MacDonald was also struggling to write her own final goodbye to Millie.

In the end she managed to pen a few words which she read to the Sunday Mirror with her parents at their home in Chertsey, Surrey. In a trembling voice she said: "Although the news we received yesterday about Millie being found was painful, I do feel a huge relief that at long last she can be brought home to where she belongs, to rest in peace.

"I am really upset that my wonderful friend has been taken from me, but nothing can destroy the fantastic memories I have of all the things we got up to."

The two girls' tributes came as hundreds of their school friends left flowers at their school in Weybridge. Outside Heathside School, a steady stream of people paid their last respects to the teenager.

People of all ages laid flowers in her memory under a small sycamore tree just inside the gates.

A bunch of lavender was tied with the message: "During this spring and summer we watched it flourish, burst into flower and now in autumn, its sweet heady scent fills the air and lingers.

"Rest in peace, dear Millie. With love and prayers, from your Mum, Dad and brave big sister." A message from Everyone at Heathside School, read "Thinking of you Millie, forever in our hearts."

Special prayers are to be said for Milly and her family at a church service in her home town of Walton-on-Thames.

A candle, lit six months ago as an act of hope when she first vanished, will now be relit in her memory and placed at the front of the church for townsfolk to come and quietly pay their respects at St Mary's Church.

Copyright 2002 MGN LTD
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