CANDLES were lit and prayers said at a vigil for seriously injured teenager Courtney Thurman yesterday (AUG 19)

Friends, family members and well-wishers gathered in The Circle, Pinehurst to send best wishes and healing thoughts to the 17-year-old, fondly known as Booey.

Courtney suffered a severe head injury following a crash in the early hours of Saturday (AUG 13) on private land near Baydon.

She was rushed to Southampton General Hospital and placed in an induced coma to be treated for brain swelling. The former Swindon Academy student remains in a critical but stable condition.

Willows Avenue neighbour Jill Davis said the vigil had provided comfort to the popular teenager's many friends.

“It was sombre, everyone is hoping for the best and that was clear to see,” she said.

“It was really nice to see all her friends coming out to talk about Booey, having a hug and just being there for each other.

“Teenagers may not be able to cope with their feelings as well as it was a chance for them to let it all out and send their positive thoughts

“It was a peaceful event, it wasn’t all sad, there was lots of talk about Courtney and what an amazing girl she is.

“We’re all just hoping that Courtney comes out of it the same way she was before the accident.”

During the vigil, which was organised by Pinehurst resident Melinda Thomas, a prayer was read out by Pinehurst pioneer minister and Swindon Academy chaplain Simon Halls, who knew Courtney from her school days.

“People started sobbing when the prayer was being done, it was really heartfelt,” said Jill.

A selection of pink and white candles were lit which will be taken to Courtney’s bedside.

Courtney’s devoted family, mum Nikki, dad John, siblings Taylor, Charlotte, Ben, Chloe, Matty and Sam and boyfriend Aston have kept a vigil at her bedside.

To help the family deal with their daily124-mile round trip the close-knit Pinehurst community vowed to ease the pressure with donations towards travel and hotel costs.

The fundraising has hit £1,200 which has left the family overwhelmed by the generosity shown to them

Jill said: “That was our main aim, to take the pressure off the family, so they didn’t have to worry about money at such a difficult time. We feel like we’ve done that now.”

Collection boxes for the appeal are at the Moonrakers pub and One Stop in The Circle.

To donate to Courtney’s appeal visit https://www.gofundme.com/2jzq3f7y