EMILY Jones' family was determined that something positive should come out of her death.

Her mother, Sarah, set up a GoFundMe page called “A legacy for Emily Jones, to help others” to raise money for Bolton Lads and Girls Club, where she volunteers as a mentor.

“As a family, we do not want Emily’s name to be in vain,” she stated on the website.

“Emily was fortunate in that she had the support and love of family and friends during her life,” adding that not all children enjoy the same benefits.

“Emily would have loved to help others and Bolton Lads and Girls Club provide the perfect opportunity to help children achieve their goals and provide much needed support.”

Within 24 hours almost £10,000 had been raised and today’s total stands at more than £24,000.

Thousands more have been raised for a permanent memorial to Emily at Markland Hill Primary School, where Emily was a popular Year Two pupil.

Headteacher Louise Close said they were all “heartbroken”.

She added: “I want you to know how much Emily was loved. She will be missed by all her friends and all the staff. Her loss has left a hole in our hearts and the school will never be the same again.”

Staff who worked most closely with Emily described her as “a loving little girl” who was “creative and loved to draw and write stories”.

They added: “Emily was keen to do her work and would joke that she had finished before others had even written the date. She was popular amongst her peers and was friends with everyone.”

“Her smile was infectious and it lit up the room. Emily was bubbly, sociable and a joy to be around. She was a ray of sunshine.

“What I remember about Emily is her smile, it was as big as she was, and she lit up a room. She has been tragically taken from us but she will never be forgotten.”

To donate to the Lads and Girls Club fund in Emily's memory visit gofundme.com/f/a-legacy-for-emily-jones-to-help-others.