Elle Edwards' family have paid tribute to their daughter on what would have been her 27th birthday today.
The beautician died after being shot outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve last year. Merseyside Police previously stated she is not believed to have been the intended target of the shooting, with four men also injured during the incident.
Today, her family marked her birthday. Elle would have turned 27-years-old.
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Posting on Instagram, one loved one said: "Our hearts are forever broken @elle.xmay today you should be turning 27 with the rest of your life ahead of you. We will never EVER forget your beautiful presence and the gift of the short years you gave to everyone around you. Have a ball our Elle today. We will all be gathered for you later. Love you forever."
Elle's loved ones have also organised a balloon release at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton at 7pm today to mark her birthday. They said all are welcome to join.
Tim Edwards, Elle's dad, recently joined actor John May on a trek from Land's End to John O'Groats in support of the Weapons Down Gloves Up initiative. Speaking to the BBC, Tim said the trek has "all been about Elle" and it has prepared him for the trial ahead.
He added: "And I couldn't have done it without this man standing next to me. I'll be forever grateful for that.
"Who knows what the future brings? But I know one thing - everything I've learned on this trip, I'll take with me." He added without the walk he would have been in a "very dark place" and when he returns home he will "feel equipped to deal with what lies ahead".
Connor Chapman, of Houghton Road, in Woodchurch, was charged with Elle's murder in January. The 23-year-old has denied the charge and a trial has been scheduled for June 12.
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