By JANE FIELD

A BRIGHT Penketh teenager with a lust for life died after a tragic motorbike accident on the M62 the day after she realised her dream of becoming a vet was going to come true.

Animal mad Faith Down, 18, had wanted to be a vet since she was two years-old, and had just gained five top A-levels.

Faith, who lived with her mum and step-dad on Heath Road, was travelling to her brother's house in Liverpool after an evening shift at Pizza Hut in the town centre when she collided with the rear of a Vauxhall Cavalier. The motorcycle mad teenager was thrown from her 250cc Yamaha Virago onto the carriageway and hit by another vehicle. She died in hospital on Friday from multiple injuries.

It was just the second time she had travelled on the motorway since passing her test in April and had saved hard for the bike she had always wanted when she bought it in September.

Faith had just gained two As and three Bs in A-level Maths, Further Maths , Chemistry, Biology and General Studies - but had been a little disheartened after needing three As for veterinary school. "But Faith being Faith had picked herself up and made new plans," says her devastated mum Val Symes, 48, - who teaches at her daughter's old school in Liverpool.

"She came into school to see me and was really happy. She had decided to do a veterinary scholarship in California. Her real dream was to work with tigers and gorillas in Africa which she was planning to do while travelling in her year out.

"If she had to go at least she had one very happy day before the accident when she realised her dreams would come true.

The active teenager was also looking forward to marrying her brother's best friend Ian McParlin, a chemistry student, after they had finished their studies.

Among her hobbies she enjoyed voluntary work with animals, karate, horse riding, playing the violin and spending time at her step-dad Geoff Symes' business, Zoot Scoot.

A purple loving party girl, even her hair was dyed her favourite colour.

"Faith was never still and everything she did had to be done well. She was amazing," said Val.

"She loved music, everything from the Beatles to Skunk Anansie and was the only person I know who could go out in Doc Martins and fish-net tights one day and high heels the next and get away with it!

"We always thought she was very special but are overwhelmed with the response we have had. There are so many cards from people we didn't even know she knew.

"We are devastated, it is such a waste. We just can't believe what has happened."

Police are anxious to trace a number of people using the Liverpool bound carriageway of the M62 near Rainhill Stoops on 9.45pm on Tuesday, November 14, when the accident occurred. Anyone with information is asked to contact St Helens police on 0151 777 6969.