Ashes of girl, 7, return from round-the-world trip

The ashes of a seven-year-old girl who died in a crash five years ago have been returned to her family following a round-the-world trip aboard a racing yacht.

Eloise Jackson was killed in a collision with a lorry while cycling near her home at Collingbourne Ducis on the A338 in Wiltshire in July 2021.

Described as a "free spirit... who could never sit still", her mother said the trip on board the 70ft (21m) Clipper was a way to "enable Eloise's legacy to continue".

"Eloise is everywhere, she always will be - that's the nature of her personality," mum Laura told BBC Radio Wiltshire. "It's been a very emotional journey. To see her come back was just so incredible and such a celebration."

The ship was taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race, an 11-month circumnavigation which sees 10 yachts crosses five oceans and includes stopovers in countries such as Spain, the Philippines, South Africa and the US.

The yacht carrying Eloise's ashes featured a special logo designed by her grandfather, with sailor Jimmy Johnson assigned as her custodian.

"My husband, James, was able to join some of the crew at certain stopovers, in China and various places. His company [Warrant] sponsored this particular Clipper yacht and that enabled us to meet the crew and go onboard and follow the journey."

She added: "I think, when something so tragic has happened, it's just lovely to turn that into something so positive."

The Jackson family went to meet the yacht on its return to Portsmouth on Tuesday, 28 July, and share in the celebrations.

Writing about the Clipper's "inspirational" return on Facebook, Laura said: "I don't think we can beat circumnavigating the globe from beyond the grave."

But she hopes her daughter's ashes will enjoy further adventures in the future.

"Eloise could never sit still, she was always such a free spirit. So I imagine she is saying, 'mummy's - what next? Come on, I want to do something else!'.

"James is very lucky with his job that he still gets to travel around the world, so I'm sure he will take a little piece of her [with him]."

Laura created 'Eloise's Army' in the wake of her daughter's death and meets with professionals and police forces to discuss child bereavement.

She hopes to raise awareness and help other families like hers.

More than £20,000 has been raised in Eloise's memory, including £13,000 for Greatwood, near Marlborough, which provides a home for former racehorses and provides alternative education for children from across the country.

"When you lose a child it really affects your identity," said Laura.

"So this has been very empowering. I think what this round-the-world trip has done is enable Eloise's legacy to continue.

"It's a real talking point. Everybody is just always intrigued about this amazing journey."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.