Friend of four pals who died in car crash launches fund-raising appeal for Northampton memorial garden

Back in 2016, driver Samuel 'Krop' Jones and friends Sam Kay, - who had worked in Northampton - and Nicoletta Tocco and Brogan Warren - who were both from Northampton - all died in a collision along the notorious A420 in Oxfordshire while travelling home from VegFest in Bristol.

The group of friends - all aged in their twenties - were travelling in a black Citroen Saxo, which crashed head-on into a black Mercedes just before midnight on Sunday, May 22, 2016.

Now their friend, Steven Eagle, 30, of Southfields has set up a fundraising page in a bid to revamp the garden of Deborah Byrne - mum to Brogan - in Kingsthorpe.

He said: "I have decided we'd like to build a memorial space. I have spoken with Brogan's mother Deborah, who lost her daughter in this horrific accident, and have decided to create this wonderful, self-sustainable project in her back garden as it is a huge space that could do with a bit of TLC.

"Her garden is also a place where Brogan and Sam had discussed so many plans and ideas, including rescuing silky chickens and growing food. This space will provide comfort alongside a place to reflect and keep their memories alive.

"In the garden we plan to grow as much fruit, vegetables and flowers as possible as well as keep chickens, put up artwork and develop a really amazing and colourful place that is a true reflection of our dear loved ones."

Steven first met Sam Kay when he was 22 and used to DJ in Embargo Nightclub.

From there he met Nicoletta, Brogan and Samuel over time through the local rave scene - and they discovered they all shared similar views on the environment and healthy eating.

He added: "Deborah was kind enough to allow me to build an aquaponics set-up to learn how to manage a system, raise trout and grow vegetables in part of this garden. She gave us permission to do what we want with the rest of the garden."

Steven is hoping to raise between £2,000 and £3,000 and is appealing for volunteers to come forward to help with funding and supplies.

"They were also interested in permaculture. It will be a fusion of art and growing areas around a central seating area with a fire pit in the middle.

"This will mean the world to Brogan's mum and friends, the response I have got from people willing help is amazing."

You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brogans-garden