FAMILY and friends of a teenage girl, who died suddenly in south Belfast earlier this month, are to gather together for a fundraising celebration of her life.
Kloe Aiken-Smyth (16), a pupil at Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock, was found on wooded ground at Burnside Park in the Four Winds area. Her death has been linked to prescription medication.
Susan Doherty, a cousin of Kloe's mother Donna and owner of the Belfast Barge visitors attraction, said she felt compelled to organise the event after seeing the number of young people who attended the popular teenager's funeral.
The family are calling the night 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' A Tribute to Kloe, after the schoolgirl's favourite song which was played at her funeral.
"There were so many of her friends at the funeral and I couldn't help wonder where they all went afterwards, did they talk to each other about what happened, were some of them maybe struggling themselves?", said Ms Doherty..
"The evening will start with someone from Addiction NI coming to speak to the young people, we've asked that they keep it a short presentation, we want it to be informative but not a case of preaching to them".
Local bands Helter-Skelter and The Rising have already agreed to play at the event with all money raised going to Addiction NI.
"This is really for Kloe's friends, we wanted to bring them all under one roof for a night in a safe environment, a place where they can talk openly but also to make it fun, just as she was.
"This is such a difficult time for the family, it's hard to imagine what her parents are going through.
"While this is really for Kloe's friends, if any other young people are struggling and would like to come along they would be more than welcome", Ms Doherty added.
A Tribute to Kloe will be held on Sunday December 9, between 5pm-9pm, at The Belfast Barge, moored on the river Lagan at Lanyon Quay.
Tickets are £5 with all money raised going to Addiction NI, contact Susan Doherty on 02890232555 for further details.
