A mother who lost her teenage son in a car accident has made a heartfelt plea to the public to be respectful and mindful of the road.
Carmel Bonner from Dungloe, lost her 19-year-old son Jamie last September when he was killed in a two car collision on the N56 near Creeslough.
To mark World Remembrance Day For Road Victims this Sunday Carmel has spoken out about the very tough journey families face after losing a loved one on the roads.
The family is also organising a charity fundraising event in their son’s memory.
Jamie was the eighth person killed on Donegal roads in 2020 and behind every statistic there is a grieving family.
Son of Carmel and Declan and brother to Shane and Clara, Jamie is remembered as someone who was always smiling and who loved life.
“He had plans ahead but unfortunately that all changed. Everything changed in a blink of an eye,” said Carmel.
“Jamie has left a big empty space. He will be forever missed by his family, friends and the community.
“I would ask people to be mindful and respectful of the road. The tragedy that it leaves behind for the families. You don’t realise how tough it is until it hits home in your community.”
Jamie loved to restore cars and bought a Ford Sierra with the intention of doing it up last winter.
He had also just bought a tractor and a digger and was in the process of getting his digger licence before the tragic accident. In his memory his father Declan and brother Shane have carried out his wish and have restored the Sierra.
A past pupil of Rosses Community School, Jamie was well known in the community and was very well liked by young and old. He would often be seen helping locals lift turf and bail hay.
Although his funeral was held during Covid-19 when large crowds were not allowed to gather, the family are very appreciative of the huge amount of messages, cards and people who have kept in touch over the last year.
Carmel said the support from the community has been tremendous.
“Jamie was so easy going. In all the photos we have he was always smiling, enjoying life. We are grateful for those memories,” she said.
In memory of Jamie the family are hosting a modified car and vintage car show on November 21 to mark World Remembrance Day For Road Victims.
“This is a day to honor our lost loved ones, support bereaved families and those injured and affected by road accidents. We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful work of our emergency services,” said Carmel.
The event will be held in the grounds of Rosses Community School from 12pm to 4pm and will raise funds for two charities.
The funds raised will be donated to Gemma’s Legacy of Hope, a counselling service based in Dungloe and Hugh’s House which provides accommodation to the families of sick children receiving treatment in Dublin hospitals.
Carmel’s sister and her husband experienced first hand the benefits of Hugh’s House when they availed of accommodation when they stayed for ten weeks in Dublin after their daughter was born 13 weeks premature.
The car show is being held in conjunction with the Mid West Donegal Vintage Car Club. On the day parking on the school grounds is just for the show cars but alternative parking will be available close by.
There will be refreshments for everyone in the school, music by DJ Mal and a raffle on the day.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)