The mum of a teenager who tragically lost his life in a moped crash on the ring road last year has shared what life has been like almost a year on. Samantha Davies said the passing of her beloved son Daniel Davies “still feels surreal”, months after his untimely death at the age of just 16.
He died in a collision with a car on the A4174 through-about near Warmley, on the evening of April 17. She said: “I look at photos of him and think he's just out with his girlfriend and then I have days where I realise he's never coming back, I will never talk to him or hold him in my arms again.”
The 55-year-old described how she misses the sound of his “booming deep” laughter and his hugs. “I miss him like crazy - he was my boy and it's not fair that his future was taken away from him,” she added. But she has been touched by the kindness of strangers, including one whose wholesome gesture left her "in awe".
READ MORE: Tributes left on A4174 where 'beautiful' teenager died in through-about tragedy
Hanham native Mrs Davies recently took to social media to express her gratitude, after a woman reached out asking if she could refresh the floral tributes at the lamppost where Daniel had died. “I couldn't believe that somebody I didn't even know wanted to do something so kind - I was totally in awe of her kindness,” she said.
The woman known as Tina said she just wanted to do something nice for the family. At first, she was worried about offending Mrs Davies, who immediately assured her that she was the one that felt a sense of guilt for not replacing them sooner.
“I drive past Daniel’s flowers most days and seeing them looking so sad, I wanted them to look pretty again and give them some tender love and care,” she added.
Mrs Davies, who is also mum to 18-year-old daughter Beckey, is now planning a motorbike ride-out on March 4 in memory of Daniel. This comes after more than 200 motorbikes followed his funeral procession last year and she hopes to recreate the moment to celebrate what would have been his 17th birthday.
She has also set up the Daniel Davies Sycamore Fund to raise money for the Great Western Air Ambulance charity which has so far received almost £1,500 in donations.
Police arrested a man following Daniel's death, who was later released under investigation. Avon and Somerset Police says the investigation is ongoing.
READ NEXT:
- Family 'horrified' after grave blunder ruined mum's burial
- Bristol ring road crash: A4174 through-about reopens after moped rider dies
- ‘Several’ police officers serving despite misconduct rulings
- Heartbroken mum says son in constant pain begs to die
- Expert explains why Nicola Bulley's dog was running back and forth after mum vanished