Ashes of girl, 7, to travel globe on racing yacht

Laura Jackson said the sailing tribute is another way to keep her daughter's memory alive

The ashes of a seven-year-old who died in a road accident are set to embark on a round-the-world sailing journey in her memory.

Eloise Jackson, who was killed in a collision with a lorry while cycling on the A338 in Wiltshire in July 2021, will head off on her "final journey and final chapter" as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, her family said.

A 70ft (21m) ocean racing yacht specially named in her honour will leave Portsmouth on Sunday carrying some of her ashes to ports in Spain, South Africa, China and South Korea before arriving in Australia for Christmas.

Her mother Laura Jackson told the BBC the sailing tribute was another way to keep her daughter's memory alive.

The yacht will leave Portsmouth on Sunday

"We still find it hard, even four years on, when people ask how many children we have, we always say three - because Eloise is everywhere and very much alive," Mrs Jackson said.

Eloise's boat will carry a special logo designed by her grandfather as it competes with 10 other yachts to circumnavigate the globe.

Mrs Jackson said the family had decided to become involved with the 10-month race around the world because "sailing is really important" to the family.

The yachts are sailed by amateur crews on one or more legs but are led by professional skippers and have additional qualified crew on each boat.

The yacht is due to arrive in Australia for Christmas

Mrs Jackson said the open nature of the race reflects the kind echoes Eloise's values.

"She never wanted anybody to feel different or left out or misrepresented," she said.

"This clipper race is representing 43 different nationalities, and anybody can join regardless of their ethnicity, race, culture or age.

"Even though Eloise is not on this earth anymore, she still has amazing opportunities - and why shouldn't others be given the same?"

BBC Radio Wiltshire plans to follow the yacht's progress as it sails around the world.