AS Wirral comes together to remember Elle Edwards a year on from her death, the Globe is taking a look back at ways the community have paid tribute to her throughout 2023.
26-year-old Elle was fatally shot by Connor Chapman while she was standing in the smoking area of the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve last year.
She was out celebrating the festivities with her sister and friends before Chapman, of Houghton Road, Woodchurch, opened fire with a Skorpian sub-machine gun just after 11.50pm.
Elle was described by her family as "the most beautiful and bright star out there".
A statement from her dad Tim Edwards on behalf of the family, read: "There was no one as beautiful as our Elle May, her looks, her laugh and the way she would light up a room as soon as she walked in.
“She had this way about her that as soon as you met her, you just instantly fell in love with her, everyone that met Elle knew how special she was.”
The statement added: “Her laugh was infectious. Anyone who was around her had a good time, she loved her life and had so many amazing plans for the future.
“She was only just getting started. Christmas and our family will never be the same again without her. She was the glue that held this big family together, from all of us.
“We will love and miss her forever. Our Elle May, the most beautiful and bright star out there, forever and always.”
On May 10, what would have been Elle's 27th birthday, close family and friends paid tribute to her by organising a balloon release at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton.
On her birthday, one loved one wrote: "Happy birthday to the most perfect angel Elle May. Oh how I wish things were different and we were planning a night out for your birthday. I love you forever and always brightest star in the sky."
Elle's dad, Tim Edwards, has also remembered his daughter in a number of ways.
In March, Tim joined comedian John May on his walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise awareness of the Weapons Down Gloves Up scheme – a boxing initiative aimed at taking young people off the streets and into employment.
The pair arrived in Liverpool to walk from The Britannia Inn on Riverside Drive to Pier Head.
Family and close friends of Elle, former professional boxer, Tony Bellew, boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, and Tiktok star, Ryan Hall (StillRyan) were all in attendance to show their support.
On August 7, Tim and John completed the remaining 250 miles of the walk that Tim didn't get to complete earlier in the year.
He also set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the Elle Edwards Foundation, which will help families affected by gun crime while raising awareness about anti-gun and knife crime across the world.
In a video posted on social media, he said: "We want people to feel like there is a place they can come to and speak to someone who has gone through what they're going through and help them.
"I want to keep Elle's name alive. I want to make sure that her name is mentioned every single day and it's used in a positive way."
A mural was also painted of Elle in New Brighton to remember her.
It is located on Virginia Street and features a picture of Elle with the words: "You do you, boo" alongside a rose and butterfly.
At the end of August, members from scooter clubs across the region joined forces to take part in a remembrance rideout for Elle.
Over 100 scooter riders travelled down to take part in the ride from Wirral, Liverpool, North Wales, Denbyshire and Anglesey.
As well as this there have been various fundraising events for the Elle Edwards Foundation throughout 2023.
In October, the Poulton Victoria Women's Team will played Blackburn Community Women FC with all donations at the gate going to the Elle Edwards Foundation.
Lee Austin, Poulton Victoria Women's Manager, said: "We couldn't think of anything better than supporting the Elle Edwards Foundation. This tragedy affected us all as local residents. We have been inspired by Elle's father Tim's determination and positivity to effect positive change to support all those affected by gun and knife crime.
"If we can use the exposure that comes with the cup to highlight this amazing cause we are delighted to do so."
The Ridge Hotel and Diner, formerly known as The Sandridge, hosted a charity race afternoon in support of Tim, John and the Weapons Down Gloves Up campaign earlier this year.
Speaking to the Globe about the event, one of the organisers, Rachel Cummings, said: "We do a range of events for charities and it was another charity, Charlotte's Brightside in New Brighton that brought it up to us.
"They are very close with the Edward's family and they simply asked our licensee to make a donation to the campaign. A split second later we thought we'd just do a massive fundraising event instead.
"There was such a sadness in the air over Christmas because it happened in one of our local pubs so it feels nice to run the event in a local pub and get the community involved."
You can donate to the Elle Edwards Foundation here.
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