The family of a British-born woman who was killed in a collision with a drunk driver near Toulouse in July 2025 have created an educational charity to honour her memory.
Hannah Jones was 24 and training to be a teacher when she died – a vocation she had long been passionate about.
One of seven siblings, she moved to France aged three and enjoyed a “fantastic childhood” in the country, according to her mother, Lizzie Jones. “France was everything we could have wished for.”
Hannah’s aptitude for teaching was visible from an early age, said her mother.
“She had two younger brothers growing up and used to read to them; when they were older she helped them both with their brevet and baccalauréat studies.
“Aside from our grief at losing Hannah, the greatest loss was the fact that so many children have been robbed of the opportunity to be taught by her. She was a force of nature and would have touched so many lives.”
The family hope that a charity they have set up, which celebrates her love of books and education, will create something positive out of the tragedy.
Fused glass sunflowers made by Lizzie, Hannah's motherJones family
Les Histoires d’Hannah was formed in October 2025 and provides storybooks for classrooms.
“Hannah loved reading, so what better way to honour her than to bring stories to children? Her memory lives on through every book we offer,” said Lizzie.
The charity has already donated more than 100 books, starting with students at the école primaire Hannah attended in Le Ségur (Tarn), where she also completed a teaching placement.
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Fundraising initiatives have included selling fused glass sunflowers made by Lizzie, who works as an artist.
“The first day I went back to my studio after Hannah died, I wasn’t sure I’d feel able to work – Hannah had often worked in the studio with me.
Hannah JonesJones family
“I made a little sunflower on a glass square and thought maybe I’d make a few for the charity. I put them online and was blown away – selling over 300 of them!”
Christmas carol concerts and the sale of bookmarks have also helped boost the charity’s finances.
Next, the family are organising a marché de créateurs in Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn) on April 18, on what would have been Hannah’s 25th birthday.
Later in the year, Lizzie is taking part in a sponsored walk along the Camino de Santiago in Portugal, with her brother Martin, Hannah’s uncle.
The family hopes the charity will roll out across the country as it grows, providing books to children nationwide and creating a lasting legacy.
