Kirsty Botto was a close friend of Jade's

Jade Hughes, 14, died just three weeks after close friend Kirsty Botto, 13, was found hanged in her bedroom at her Swansea home.

But speaking on Wednesday, Jade's mother, Lynn Hughes, insisted there was no link between the deaths.

"There was no pact between Jade and her friend to commit suicide," she said.

Jade was simply suffering an illness, she was a normal, fun-loving teenager. Lynn Hughes

"This tragic incident involving my daughter is not, as has been suggested, a copycat suicide of the recent tragic death of Kirsty Botto."

The two girls lived just 100 metres apart and attended the same school - Pentrehafod Comprehensive - where a third teenager died just a year ago.

Ross Hooper, 13, a friend of Kirsty, died in January 2002 after being attacked and robbed in a church car park.

Bullying allegations

An inquest ruled that he died after inhaling aerosol fumes and not because he was attacked, but allegations of local bullying continued.

"Jade's death has also been linked to the tragic death of Ross Hooper," said Mrs Hughes.

"This is simply not the case as Jade did not even know Ross Hooper.

"She was not even at Pentrehafod school at the time of his death.

"Jade was not being bullied at school and bullying has nothing to do with what has happened and she did not take drugs as has been reported (which) has upset me greatly.

"Jade was simply suffering an illness.

"She was a normal, fun-loving teenager."

Investigation

South Wales Police are continuing their inquiries into Jade's death, but bullying has already been ruled out.

Acting Inspector Hugh Griffiths said Jade's death was not being treated as suspicious.

"Bullying is absolutely out," he said.

Jade's body was found at a footbridge over a railway line just a short walk from her home in Pentreharne Road in the Landore area of Swansea on Saturday.

Later, a poem was found written by Jade in memory of Kirsty after her friend's death.

Inquests into the deaths of Jade and Kirsty are due to be held.

Meanwhile counsellors from the charity Childline are to offer help to pupils at Pentrehafod school when they return from the Easter break.