WARM tributes have been paid to a teenager who was a popular trader at Tir Prince Market in Towyn following her death.
Jessica McIvor, who was from Powys but used to travel to Towyn to sell handmade wax melts, candles and fragrances each weekend, sadly died aged 18 on Wednesday, August 23.
She is survived by her grandparents; her parents, Ross and Rachel; her brother, James; and her sisters, Jade and Jasmin.
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A fundraiser page, set up by family friend Tracey Evans to assist with funeral costs, is more than halfway to its £5,000 target, having raised £3,175 so far.
You can donate by visiting: www.gofundme.com/f/jessica-mcivor.
Jessica’s father, Ross, celebrated the life of his “outgoing”, “kind-hearted” daughter, who traded under the name "Imagine Aromas".
She had stopped trading at the market in her last weeks due to struggles with her mental health.
He said: “She used to love travelling up to North Wales on the Friday, doing the weekend market, and going to Towyn Pizza and Kebab House, if we made enough money to afford that, as a treat.
“She used to love the funfair there, as well, so when she had an hour off at lunchtime, she used to get something to eat and then go there.
“She had a lot of friends at the market stalls. She was really kind-hearted to her customers, as well; she used to give some of her stock out to customers as presents.
“She just liked looking after other people, and talking to people. Our house used to smell like a wax factory every day of the week.
“She was very outgoing. Being at the market was always a happy time for her; she got to meet so many people there, from all over the country.
“We had a large number of regulars who used to come and say hello to her, even if they didn’t buy anything from her.
“She loved the colour red, and liked her clothes and hair being red, and always loved talking about her siblings.”
Ross added his gratitude to everyone who has already donated to Tracey’s fundraiser page.
Though a date has not yet been confirmed for Jessica’s funeral, he said the financial support he and his family, who are in receipt of benefits, have received will “lift a heavy burden”.
It is, sadly, the second child he has lost, following the death in 2013 of his son, Jayden, at the age of nine after being struck by a car.
Tracey added on the fundraiser page: “If anyone could help in this extremely sad time, whether it be £1 or £10, every little thing helps.
“Funds will be used towards the funeral, and anything her parents and siblings need.”
Ross said: “It’s meant a lot to see how much money has been donated. I try to say thank you to every single person who donates. We’re very, very grateful; it will lift a heavy burden off our shoulders.
“I’d prefer people to talk about my daughter, rather than cross the road and not talk at all. You get to know your true friends that way.”
A statement on Imagine Aromas' Facebook page also paid tribute to Jessica.
It read: "She was so looking forward to restarting at Tir Prince, and wanted to talk to a stall holder she was fond of, who made her a bracelet she accidentally broke.
"Every single sale she made made her smile; she would ring, so excited, to inform us of how many waxes and burners she sold.
"We will continue, for Jessica, and find a way, after a break, to come back and make her proud."
In a further tribute to his daughter, Ross shared the following piece.
When I wake up in the morning and expect your lovely smile, tears roll down my face, expecting your warm hugs, morning dad, and asking for some coffee.
As tears roll down my face, what are we doing today? Something always very new, from dyeing your hair red, while making your mum a brew.
As tears roll down my face, your sisters ask where Jess is. It's no longer that she's getting ready or finishing off getting her stuff.
As tears roll down my face, she's not here anymore, and no more morning rush.
I miss her every time I see her in and around my home, she's not here anymore, getting reminded that she was.
As tears roll down my face, from all the red soft teddies to the tomatoes in the fridge, I didn't want to say goodbye to Jayden, did I have to see you go, too?
As tears keep rolling down my face.
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