Parents of Holly Grogan speak of devastation
THE parents of a 15-year-old public schoolgirl who jumped 30ft to her death from a road bridge have spoken of their grief.
Holly Grogan died after she fell onto a busy dual-carriageway on Wednesday night.
Yesterday, parents Steve, 45, and Anita, 44, and her brother Tom, 17, said the family were 'devastated' by the news of Holly's death.
In a statement, they said: ''As a family we are absolutely devastated by the loss of our wonderful daughter.
''Holly was popular at St Edwards where she has many many friends.
''Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh will be remembered by everyone who was proud and privileged to have known or met her.
''We are not Catholic but chose for her to attend St Edwards in the belief that the morals and values promoted by the school would provide Holly with a platform to the next stage of her life.
''Holly struggled to cope with the huge pressures placed upon her by the modern complexities of ''friendship groups'' and social networking.
''I'm sure every responsible parent will empathise with our constant battle to instil self belief and confidence in our children.
''Holly's outwardly vivacious zest for life was apparent to all who knew her.
''We are so proud of our beautiful, kind and caring Holly. The entire family has been greatly comforted by the comments and tributes left on various social networking sites.
''We shared 15 wonderful years with Holly and to us she will be forever young.''
Holly was found under Pirton Lane Bridge, in Churchdown, at around 11pm on Wednesday night.
She was pronounced dead at the scene before the busy dual carriageway A40 was closed by police for four hours.
Police say her death is not being treated as suspicious and a spokeswoman said on Friday. the case has been passed to the coroner.
She attended the exclusive £11,607 a year St Edward's School, in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, where she was ''popular'' and ''well-liked''.
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by christine Mitchell, WREXHAM
Sunday, March 07 2010, 11:38PM
“My thoughts also go out to Holly's friends and hope they don't get bullied on Facebook.”
by christine Mitchell, WREXHAM
Sunday, March 07 2010, 11:36PM
“I didn't know Holly but read the article last week in the paper; my thoughts go out to brother Tom, and her parents.”
by xxxxx, cheltenham.
Saturday, November 14 2009, 10:32PM
“everyone i know, loves you.
you're beautifull.
sleep tight xxxxx”
by mia :), gloucestershire
Sunday, October 11 2009, 3:59PM
“i didn't know her, but i knew people who did. she seemed really nice and this is really sad, i feel for all of her family and friends. I wish she could see all these comments xx R.I.P Holly (L)xxxxxxx”
by anon, abbeymead gloucester
Friday, September 25 2009, 12:54PM
“I did not know Holly but feel I need to say how sad and upset I was to hear of this tragic news and offer my sincere condolences to her mum and dad and family and friends, as a parent of 3 children all under 10, I am starting to feel the pressures of choosing the right school for my children not knowing if they will be socially accepted by the other children they will come across, all schools have anti-bullying policies but this normally only applies to when the child is in school often the bullying occurs on the way in and out of school and even on the internet, we all try to tell our children to come to us if they have a problem but for what ever reason they feel they can't PLEASE TELL SOMEONE, as a victim of bullying I would like to tell any child that if they are being bullied they must tell someone a parent, teacher, friend or phone a helpline before they feel the need to tragically take their life, and as for the bullies you must have a long hard think about Holly and other children you are bullying and STOP before another innocent beautiful child feels the need to end their life, you can make a difference now by stopping this bullying and being nice to the victim, only you can make this happen so please please think before you bully someone and STOP.”
by abbie :), cheltenham
Friday, September 25 2009, 7:28AM
“Hollie i never met you before but some of my firends new you, but i was devastated when i had read what had happend, you will always be in everyones hearts always & forever. you will be deeply missed my heart goes out to your family and all your friends
R.I.P Hollie (L)”
by Ruby, stratford
Thursday, September 24 2009, 4:31PM
“God bless you holly x”
by Amii Shaw and Keziah Rust :), Cheltenham
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 5:10PM
“Holly, we didnt know you personally but many of our friends did and when they heard about waht happened they were devastated. All we could do is to be there for them, we cant imagine what your family are going through. Everyone only speaks positively of you, never a bad word! (: by the looks of things you were absolutely gorgeous, we wish we knew you better to help you through whatever you were going through. You'll never be forgotten. We love you :)
xxxx”
by Mary Anne, USA
Tuesday, September 22 2009, 9:55PM
“Deepest condolences to the Grogan family and all of Holly's friends.
This story is so incredibly sad. Children can be so cruel to others without thinking about the possible outcome. And often those who are bullied will never talk about it to their family and friends because they live in constant fear of more rejection.
As an adult I was the victim of severe cyber-bullying and was deeply troubled by it. It was frightening and spirit-breaking. It's even worse for a young girl who is so sensitive at a young age and friends and opinions of others are so very very important to them.
Holly, I'm so sorry. You look like a sweet sweet child.”
by carly, chelt
Tuesday, September 22 2009, 8:08PM
“My heart goes to Holly's whole family and hope that some of these comments on how much she was loved and the warmth she spread is of somewhat comfort to them. I never knew Holly but she was so loved and still is, and will be safe with all the angels.
R.I.P Holly
xxxxx”