'We will never again feel true happiness': Grieving mum begs people to drive safely

A mother whose only child died in a crash at the age of just 19 has urged motorists not to drink drive, speed, or use mobile phones when they are behind the wheel.

Colette Griffin and her husband Tommy suffered the devastating loss of their daughter Sarah Richardson after a two-car collision on the Fota Road in Co Cork on April 27, 2012.

Sarah had just been taken on as an apprentice hairdresser and was on the way to Midleton from her home in Cobh to tell her friend all her news when the accident occurred.

Colette fondly recalls the short but precious life of her bubbly, vivacious, and kind daughter.

On one occasion she gave Sarah €50 for petrol. However, just €10 worth of fuel went into the car. She says the other €40 was spent on mascara in Brown Thomas. Of course Sarah’s car then “wouldn’t start”. Colette says when her husband went to look at the car he informed his daughter Sarah that she didn’t require jump leads but it “might be a start to put petrol in it”.

Colette, who has channelled her grief into road safety awareness and volunteer work, says that Sarah is “dancing with the angels way before her time”.

Colette recalled Sarah’s first Christmas in 1992 when their hearts were “bursting with happiness and love for our little miracle”.

She is calling on drivers not to drink drive amid all the festivities at this time of year.

Colette said their hearts are now in “millions of pieces”.

“We will never again feel true happiness. How we are feeling at this very minute we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy and this is because someone decided it was okay to drink and drive.

“Please this Christmas do not drink and drive.

“Our happy Christmas [periods] ended in 2012 but we need to continue showing these pictures [of Sarah] in the hope someone will put away the car keys after seeing our precious princess Sarah who had her whole life ahead of her taken way too soon and our future taken from us.

“Life is precious — respect and be grateful for your own life and give the same respect to all road users.”

Colette says that Sarah should be here today living the “wonderful life” they expected her to have.

“People must start realising drink driving, speeding, or using a phone while driving is so so wrong because of the pain and devastation they can cause if involved in a crash.

“This could be your story today — your loved one could be killed on the road by someone who thinks it’s ok to drink drive, break the speed limit or use their phone while driving.

“So please let your feelings be known that you will not tolerate bad road behaviour anymore. We are all entitled to the safe use of our roads.”

Colette says that her life had changed from the moment her beautiful daughter passed away.

“Your life is gone. Your future is gone. It is too late for me now.

“I can’t change the outcome. But other people’s lives can be saved.”

She adds that she will forever treasure her Christmas memories with Sarah.

“On the 25th of November our decorations went up for her birthday. We were the only house on the street with Christmas lights and a Santa but it had to happen.

“Sarah loved Christmas so much.”