THE Mayor of London has backed a News Shopper campaign to get justice for Erith schoolgirl Gemma Rolfe.
The 12-year-old Erith School pupil died in a car crash after the 4x4 she was travelling in was hit by a stolen van near the junction between Slade Green Road and Canada Road in Slade Green 10 years ago last month.
The driver fled the scene and no one has ever been charged over Gemma’s death.
She had to be cut from the wreckage of the Suzuki Vitara in which her stepdad Dean Robey was taking her to a Guides meeting at 7pm on May 19, 2003.
News Shopper has run a series of stories to raise awareness and try and persuade someone to come forward to help solve the case.
Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce wrote to Boris Johnson on May 9 asking for his support for the Justice for Gemma campaign.
In his reply on June 11, the Mayor said: "Thank you for your letter about the Justice for Gemma Campaign.
"I am always saddened to hear about the tragic loss of a young life in London, especially when the case remains unsolved.
Tributes to Gemma Rolfe left where she was killed at a memorial balloon release last month.
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt sympathies to Gemma's family and all who knew her.
"I would like to offer my best wishes for the Justice for Gemma Campaign and am glad to offer assistance."
Mr Johnson contacted the Met to help persuade Scotland Yard to issue a fresh appeal for information a decade after Gemma’s unsolved death.
Her mum Janet Robey, 46, welcomed the Mayor’s involvement.
She told News Shopper: "I am over the moon that he has responded. I totally appreciate the response.
"He’s gone out of his way to respond to the family and acknowledge what we are going through. I respect that and thank him for that."
But the grandmother-of-one confessed her fears no one will ever be brought to justice for causing her daughter’s death.
She said: "I would like to think someone would have come forward before now.
"I would love for somebody to come forward but in my heart of hearts I just don’t know anymore."
Visit Gemma's Facebook page or get involved in the campaign at hazefmuk.com/justice or on Twitter at twitter.com/VWKel
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