Family pay moving tribute to A17 crash victim Laura Pesterfield as inquest opens: ‘Our lives will never be the same, our home will never be the same. There’s always going to be an empty place at our table, this will always be yours.’

The junction on the A17 near Terrington St Clements, the scene of the accident. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2015)

An inquest into the 21-year-old’s death opened this morning (Wednesday) as police confirmed her young nephews aged eight and five have now been discharged from hospital.

Laura, from Boston, died in a collision involving a car and a lorry on December 21. Her nephews Jayden and Ellis, who were in the car with her, were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

In a moving statement Laura’s family described how she was looking forward to Christmas and of her pride in her nephews.

The statement read: “Taken so fast, our family has been torn apart. We are deeply saddened at the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter; not only a daughter, Laura was a sister, auntie, niece, cousin, granddaughter.

“Laura my darling, you were taken so fast with no warnings, no goodbyes.

“A massive hole has been made that will never be filled. We have been overwhelmed with messages and support at our tragic loss.

“Laura, you were a stubborn, strong willed, loyal, loving, big hearted young woman and put everyone before yourself. You had so many plans for the future - your dream was to train as a nurse, settle down, get married and have a family of your own.

“You worshipped family life, lived and breathed for your precious nephews. You were so proud of them, talked to everyone about them, you would do anything for any of them.

“You worked as a care worker in our local village Kirton at White Gables Nursing home. You loved that job, the staff and the residents and had been picking up extra shifts. You were getting excited about planning the residents’ Christmas party - we had been out shopping on Sunday for the stuff you needed: Christmas crackers, paper plates… you name it, you bought it.

“You had just finished your NVQ 2 and were getting ready to start your NVQ 3 in the New Year, doing health and social care which would get you a step closer to University.

“Our lives will never be the same, our home will never be the same. There’s always going to be an empty place at our table, this will always be yours, my darling. I promise you that Dad and I will look after your brothers and keep check on Nanny and Grandad for you.

“Grandad wanted to change places with you, I told him that he was too old. God wanted you for a very special job up there for which required youth. We urge all our family and friends: never put off today what you can do tomorrow, trust us - tomorrow never comes.

“Treasure your family, children and loved ones. They are so precious, they can be taken away so fast. Never pass up a chance to say I love you - tomorrow is not promised to any of us. God came to you, opened up your pearl white wings and took you straight away.

“We will never get to hold you in our arms like we should. If we could have that one last chance… there’s so much more we would say. Sleep tight beautiful, be with the moon and stars. We miss you loads already, the pain is unexplainable.

“Shine bright, we know you’re looking after your nephews, making them well. Look after your new angel family darling, I know you’re organising them up there. We will treasure every memory we have had with you, locked away in our hearts.”