Caring teenager who had a ball

Friends and family embrace yesterday after Elizabeth Neels' funeral in Cambridge. Picture / Amos Chapple

Elizabeth Neels' little Mazda 323 was a metaphor for her adult life.

As hundreds gathered to pay their respects to the 18-year-old at Trinity St John's Church in Cambridge yesterday afternoon, they heard of a typical teenager and a young woman generous to a fault.

Miss Neels died after a head-on collision between her car and a campervan near Cambridge on Thursday last week. Seven of her organs were donated to help others.

The campervan, driven by Lions rugby supporter Michael Berry, had crossed the centre line. Berry has appeared in the Hamilton District Court and pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death and injury.

Yesterday, the congregation - which filled the church to overflowing - heard that Miss Neels' little car had taken some minor beatings in the short time she had been driving, but she had always remained safe inside.

Its interior symbolised the riotous social life Miss Neels had lived since moving out of her parents' home in Cambridge in March on her 18th birthday to go flatting, said her uncle Stu Neels. "She seems to have had a total ball in the four months since she left home."

Friends spoke of a loyal, loving girl who brought laughter into their lives.

Her grandfather Austyn Neels said she was his best friend.

Her primary school principal from Cambridge East School, John Bullick, presented her with an award.

"Elizabeth Neels, for outstanding citizenship. A kind, caring, generous friend whose sunny personality helps to light up the lives of others."

Her uncle Max Hair described how her parents, Lori and Mike, had persuaded their only child to get her driver's licence when she started at Wintech's catering and hospitality course in Hamilton last year, after her mother had spent years ferrying her round.

The car had accumulated dents, not always her fault, Mr Hair said, but it was accurate to say the roof was the only panel which was unscathed.

Her parents had waited a long time for Elizabeth's birth, and the decision to donate her organs meant they gained extra time with her at the hospital, said Mr Hair.

Outside the church, friends and family hugged, placing rose petals and rosemary on her coffin in the hearse and letting off 18 pink, purple and white helium-filled balloons.