HUNDREDS of campaigners took to the streets of Accrington to show their support for a teenager who died after falling from the town’s Arndale Centre.
Supporters of Lauren’s Place, the group set up in memory of 17-year-old Lauren Johnson, marched from Accrington Town Hall to raise awareness of a petition calling for improved safety measures at the shopping centre.
Organisers hailed the event as ‘potentially life-changing’ as they seek to establish a town centre support service for people with mental health issues.
Burnley-born Lauren, who lived in Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle, died on June 5 . She was the fifth person in five years to die after falling from the Union Street building.
Accrington resident Sarah Clitheroe, who helped organise the march, said she was ‘amazed’ at the turn-out.
She said: “It was very, very overwhelming. There were around 200 people there.
“It’s got so big and hopefully it can be life-changing for young people in Accrington. We need to raise £5,000 for Lauren’s Place to become a registered charity so that’s our next focus.”
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Lauren, a student at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, worked at fashion store C’Quinz, in Blackburn Road.
Lauren’s friend, Michael Pope said: “We’ve got a karaoke night at Tricky’s in Oswaldtwistle from 7pm tomorrow.
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