3:48pm Wednesday 18th November 2009
By Alexandra Barham
A St Albans schoolgirl who took her own life has left a lasting sporting legacy.
Francesca Spelzini, 18, died three days after she attempted to commit suicide at her home in Parklands Drive, St Albans, on June 30 this year.
The St Albans Girls School pupil, known to family and friends as Fran, was rushed to Watford General Hospital on June 27 where she remained critically ill for three days but then died.
Francesca, a passionate sports woman, competed with the Abbey Bowmen archery club and still holds the record for the 'Single Clout' at 100 yards distance. The teenager, who had completed A-Levels just weeks before her untimely death, was also a keen swimmer and tennis player.
A tennis tournament will be held in Francesca's name at the school in Sandridgebury Lane, St Albans, next year.
Speaking at his daughter's inquest on Tuesday afternoon, Paul Spelzini said: "We are trying to develop a sporting legacy. We feel there's a lot that could come out of this that could be beneficial."
Best friends of the teenager have also completed a parachute jump to raise money for a charity devoted to the research of Aspergers syndrome.
An inquest at Hatfield Coroner's Court revealed Francesca had a history of mental illness, which never required medication, and had attempted to self harm in the past.
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