WHAT should have been a day of celebration, has become a day of tragedy.

Today, Stacey White should be toasting her daughter Lucy McHugh’s 14th birthday, but instead the hunt to try and find her killer remains ongoing.

For three months, police have sought the person responsible for murdering Lucy, who was found dead in woodland at the edge of Southampton Sports Centre in July.

To mark the day, Ms White paid tribute to her “angel”.

She said: “Today should have been a celebration for you filled with presents, balloons, cakes and a party for our little smiling dolly, who had grown to a young lady of 14 – a mixture of fun, laughter, generosity, kindness and whose biggest critic was herself.

Daily Echo:

(Friends of Lucy McHugh held a balloon release near her home shortly after the teenager's death)

“You were just beginning your next adventure of choices for your career, your life and that would go on to mould who you would continue to become. Your dreams and desires all being set and, knowing you, I can quite imagine you would have achieved every one of them.”

“Lucy my angel you were and will always be the most unique person I have known. If we all have even half as much strength as you, even an ounce of your determination, then we will pull ourselves through this tough and horrific time enough to fight to get you justice.

“We will never forget all the memories and smiles you brought to our lives. We will sit and chat to you every day just like you were here. You will never be forgotten.

(Stacey White made a video appeal earlier this month)

“I’m sure you would say: ‘Don’t let my parting destroy any more lives than it has already, mine has already been taken far too soon.’”

In August, Stephen Nicholson was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment after refusing to give police his Facebook password.

The 24-year-old was arrested hours after Lucy was found on suspicion of murder but pleaded guilty to failing to co-operate with police.

Nicholson admitted contacting Lucy on the social media platform on the evening before and morning of her disappearance.

Since her death, a huge city-wide hunt for clues to find Lucy’s killer has ensued.

To honour her, family and friends have been fundraising to create a garden in her name at Redbridge Community School, where she studied.

Daily Echo:

(Sean Blackman - who is part of a campaign called 'I Love Lucy Day')

Dozens of people attended ‘I Love Lucy Day’ on Saturday. Many joined together to share memories of the youngster as well as raise money.

Police are continuing to hunt for a sharp implement that could have been used in the incident.

A decision on any charges is expected this week.