'Forever young': Lasting tribute to murdered Lanarkshire woman unveiled in hometown
A lasting tribute to a much-loved young Lanarkshire woman who was brutally murdered has been unveiled in her hometown.
A beautifully handcrafted memorial bench has been dedicated to 21-year-old Phoenix Spencer-Horn in the grounds of the Strathaven Hotel where she worked.
The wooden bench, designed by local craftspeople in the market town, pays tribute to the popular and beautiful young woman with a poignant inscription which reads: "Phe, the girl with the stunning smile. 21 'forever young'".
In a nod to her favourite song, Dreams by Fleetwood Mac, the lyric 'thunder only happens when it's raining' is featured on the bench along with Phoenix's date of birth and the date she died.
The words, 'love you, bye' are also carved inside a red love heart.
The close-knit community has been rocked by the tragic events that happened on November 18, 2024 when Phoenix was stabbed, strangled, decapitated and dismembered in the East Kilbride flat she shared with killer boyfriend Ewan Methven.
She had suffered a total of 20 stab wounds - the fatal one to the chest.
Described in court as "the personification of evil", 27-year-old postman Methven is now carrying out a life sentence after admitting to the gruesome murder when he appeared in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow last month.
Judge Lord Matthews ordered Methven to spend at least 23 years behind bars before he can be considered for parole.
Commenting on the lasting memorial one local said: "It's such a lovely memorial to such a special person.
"What happened to Phoenix was absolutely horrific and left many people shocked but the bench commemorates her life which was so cruelly cut short.
"She loved working in the hotel and was very popular with the customers so it's appropriate the bench will be sitting in the gardens for many years to come.
"Phoenix will never be forgotten by the people of Strathaven."
A group of her friends and colleagues named 'Phe's Angel Fighters' are taking on the Kiltwalk to raise money for Glasgow Women's Aid in her memory.
The 20-mile challenge will take place in September with more than £7000 already raised in Phoenix's name.
You can make a donation to the Kiltwalk fundraiser for Phoenix here.
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