14-year-old girl dies from mystery illness whilst on holiday - This is Staffordshire

THE family of a talented 14-year-old schoolgirl have spoken of their devastation after she died from a mystery illness while on holiday with friends.

Jessica Ashton-Pyatt was enjoying a break at Butlin's when she was violently sick and suffered a ruptured stomach and a heart attack.

1. GRIEF: Jessica's mum Nicola holds a picture of her.

Hours later, her distraught mother Nicola had to say goodbye at her hospital bedside after doctors were unable to save her.

Jessica's funeral was held this week and her entire year group at Thistley Hough High, in Penkhull, formed a guard of honour as her horse-drawn coffin travelled past the school.

And yesterday, the school was packed out again as friends staged a celebration of her life, featuring songs, one of Jessica's own stories, and video clips.

Mrs Pyatt, who was there alongside her husband Andy, said: "I'm overwhelmed and amazed by what they've done in memory of Jessica."

The 32-year-old had been at home in Earl's Drive, Clayton, when she got the phone call to say Jessica had fallen ill while staying at Butlin's in Skegness.

"They had been having a ball on the Friday," said Mrs Pyatt. "Then on the Saturday, Jessica wasn't feeling well."

After Jessica was sick, the emergency services were alerted and she was taken to hospital in Boston, where her condition rapidly deteriorated. The ruptured stomach had caused irreparable damage and she died on October 28.

Mrs Pyatt said: "When they said there was nothing more they could do, my first words were, 'No, she can't die. I've already got her Christmas presents'. I told them they had to do something."

The school is now planning a memorial garden and art award in honour of the talented artist and writer.

Greg Beaudro, from Hartshill, was one of the friends who helped organised yesterday's event. The 15-year-old said: "Jessica was one of the best. I don't think I ever saw her when she wasn't smiling."

Headteacher Holly Hartley said: "It's such a tragedy. Jessica was one of the brightest students and had a wide circle of friends."

Jessica's three brothers – Lewis, aged 12, Thomas, aged seven, and four-year-old Charlie – have also been struggling to cope. Lewis said: "We had lots of arguments, but I love her. She did a good job of being a sister to me."