Why Violet's legacy is changing lives

The beautiful pictures of Glenn and Becky Youens' "little angel" – who was killed in a hit-and-run on Prescot Road – continue to evoke feelings of immense sadness and anger among Star readers.

But Violet's courageous family find strength in the knowledge that her legacy aims to change thousands of lives.

Moments after her death she became an organ donor, an act which ultimately saved two lives.

Just four months later in July 2017, despite their grief, Glenn and Becky, along with help from kind-hearted St Helens residents, put together the first Ride 4 Violet-Grace.

The event saw thousands of cyclists and motorcyclists ride to the two hospitals that tried to save her life life, Whiston and Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

The event amassed more than £13,000 for the hospitals and raised awareness of organ donation.

In December 2017, less than a year after her death, Violet's legacy encouraged more than 4,000 people in St Helens alone to sign the organ donor register compared to previous years.

Since then more than 50 events, by individuals and her family, have taken place in Violet's memory and a charity, Violet-Grace's Gift, has been set up in her name to help other bereaved families, the local community and local hospitals.

The Ride 4 Violet-Grace is now an annual event, with this year's fundraiser set to take place on Sunday, July 21.

Becky and Glenn have also launched an online petition calling for tougher sentences for drivers who kill. If passed it is to be called Violet-Grace's Law.

This comes after the driver of the car that hit Violet, Aidan McAteer, was jailed for nine years and four months. After pleading guilty, he will serve only four years behind bars before being eligible for parole.

More than 127,000 people have now signed the petition, which means it must be considered for debate in parliament.

To help Violet's family create a law change in her memory sign the petition here.