THE trust set up in the name of a young Horton girl who collapsed and died has been boosted with the support of a best-selling author.

Sophy Layzell recently visited the Rotary Club of Ilminster to speak about her daughter, Jemima, and the trust set up by her family and friends.

Jemima died suddenly aged just 13 in March, 2012, after suffering a massive bleed on her brain.

She collapsed at home and died four days later at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

Jemima had wanted her organs to be donated, and they were eventually used to save the lives of eight others, as well as the sight of three people.

Mrs Layzell told Rotarians how Jemima dreamed of becoming a writer, and when they found her diaries, which she started aged four, in her bedside cabinet they decided to publish them.

Sophy talked about how, though deciding to share her daughter’s private thoughts might be seen as invasive, the family wanted to raise awareness of organ donation while sharing her talent for writing.

The book, entitled The Draft, went on sale last year on what would have been Jemima’s 15th birthday.

Half the profits go to Jemima’s sister with the rest going towards setting up the charitable trust which promotes organ donation and supports youngsters affected by brain injury.

During the talk, Sophy was delighted to reveal that last week she received confirmation that War Horse author Michael Morpurgo had agreed to be the charity’s patron.

Rotarian Linda Vijeh said: “I well remember Jemima’s tragic death and bought a copy of The Draft when it was first released.

“It’s a very moving and personal testament to a lovely young girl whose life was cut short.”

At the conclusion of the talk, everyone was given a flower to wear in memory of Jemima to provoke conversation about organ donations and as a reminder that she loved to wear flowers in her hair.