Sister pays tribute to A5 crash victim, 20
The family of a young teaching assistant from Staffordshire who died in a crash have paid tribute to her 'unique spirit and loving nature'.
Laura Jane Thomas, aged 20, of Hunters Close, Great Haywood, was travelling in a silver Vauxhall Astra on the A5 between Telford and Shrewsbury in Shropshire when she was killed.
Police believe the car was at a standstill when a lorry hit it on July 21.
Today Ms Thomas' mother Lisa, father Dave and sister Gemma told how she hoped to become a teacher and was engaged to be married.
In a moving tribute, 18-year-old Gemma said: "Standing at only 5ft tall, size 6 and a size 2 shoe, she was delicate and petite.
"Despite her fairy-like frame you were always aware of her presence. She had a lively and sparkling personality which lit up any room that she entered.
"Although Laura died at the young age of 20, she managed to pack a lot of experiences into the incredibly short space of time.
"She was not only beautiful with a stunning personality to match, she was incredibly clever."
Ms Thomas completed A levels in history, English and psychology at Aelfgar Rugeley College, while also working part-time at WHSmith in Stafford.
She went on to gain an apprenticeship as a teaching assistant at Marshlands Special School in Stafford, where she completed her first year, and aspired to be a teacher working with special needs children.
She also volunteered every week with Riding for the Disabled Association.
Gemma said: "After becoming engaged last Christmas it appeared Laura was on the track for the happily ever after life that she'd dreamed of. Laura's unique spirit and her loving nature are amongst the millions of traits we will miss."
Leave your tributes to Laura Jane Thomas in the comments below. Discussion of the incident will not be published.
