FAMILY SAY FAREWELL TO CRASH VICTIM JENNIFER

Nearly 60 relatives and friends of crash victim Jennifer Field gathered at the Hare and Hounds pub before her funeral.

And as they watched her white coffin, draped in Manchester United flags and scarves, being carried into Christchurch Ore, they prepared to say goodbye.

Jennifer's sister, Tasha Field, 16, of Old London Road, was one of three who read poems during the service, but the loss she was feeling was evident as she struggled through the tears.

She said: "I kept it all in until today. I was trying to be strong for everybody, especially mum, but I couldn't hold it all in anymore. I have two single red roses for Jennifer that I am going to keep forever. My sisters, Sally and Jo are not coping at all. Jo really looked up to Jennifer as a sister and a friend."

Six weeks ago today Jennifer and her mum, Kim Field, were together celebrating their birthdays, Jennifer's 18th, Mrs Field's 43rd.

Just two days later the family were torn apart when Jennifer suffered horrific fatal injuries in a crash on Beachy Head Road.

She had been travelling in a red Rover Metro with three others when the car lost control and flipped seven times on August 22. She was taken to the Eastbourne District General Hospital, but her injuries were so severe she died the following evening with her family present.

Her dying wish to be an organ donor was not possible and the family were forced to wait until now to hold her funeral for legal reasons.

The family had selected a few of her favourite songs to accompany the service but during Destiny's Child's Emotions Mrs Field and Jennifer's sisters held on to each other for support.

Only Jennifer's baby niece, Aleisha, escaped the real meaning of the day.

Each mourner carried a single red rose and during the service at the crematorium the flowers were laid on top of the coffin.

As promised, relatives and friends headed back to the Hare and Hounds pub on Old London Road for the celebratory disco.

With brave faces everyone tried to smile, but it will be some time before this pain begins to heal.

Tasha said: "I cried when I lay my rose on her coffin. I just broke down. I haven't said goodbye yet. I will do that when I am on my own. It's been so hard and today wasn't any easier."