Families who have lost loved ones in tragic circumstances often feel they have been overlooked as life inevitably goes on, and they are left to grapple with their grief, while trying to come to terms with their insurmountable loss.

Here, Ruth Mayo writes about her sister, Marie Claire Lombardi who died in a motorcycle accident three years ago, stressing the need for more educational campaigns about road safety

It has been three years since my beloved sister passed. I never thought I would write about this, but I feel compelled to share her story in the hope that it might help others and serve as a plea for awareness.

We grew up side by side, sharing a wonderful life filled with love and a bond rooted in caring for one another without ever expecting anything in return. She was our little sister, gentle and kind, who never saw the bad in anyone. She gave so freely of herself, and perhaps because of that beautiful heart, we often felt the need to protect her.

Though I strive to hold on to the beautiful memories, her final moments remain indelibly etched in my mind. The thought that, in her last hour, she was broken yet fully conscious, aware and afraid, haunts me still. She was surrounded not by family, but by strangers whose kindness I will never forget. I will always carry gratitude in my heart for those who were by her side, bringing her comfort in her final moments.

She was taken from us without a final hug, a kiss, or a goodbye. The injuries she sustained were devastating, and had she survived, she would have faced unimaginable pain, confined to a bed. I take comfort in knowing she was spared such suffering and gently received into God’s care.

I still remember the day my heart sank at her words. She planned to commute to work by motorcycle to avoid the heavy traffic. I can still hear her voice telling me not to worry. She always reassured me that her motorcycle was small, low-powered, and that she rode slowly and carefully, and she truly did; she was always mindful. But accidents do not discriminate, sometimes they are the tragic result of someone else’s negligence. Our roads have become increasingly unpredictable and selfishly dangerous, and it saddens me to think of how many good lives are lost because of it.

To the man who dropped the crate of olives that day, I do not know why the street was not cleared or why safety measures were not ensured. I cannot understand why you did not come forward, perhaps you were afraid. While others might feel differently, I cannot explain why I feel no anger towards you. Perhaps grief leaves little room for it, or perhaps my heart has chosen compassion over blame, the same compassion my sister always showed, even to those few who hurt her.

The justice I seek is not personal. I hope my sister’s tragedy, and those of many others, will lead to meaningful laws and regulations prioritising road safety. Governments rarely invest in sustained public education, yet safety can, and must, be taught from a young age through schools, consistent campaigns, including on social media. Education must fill the gaps that families leave, making safety a shared responsibility across society.

I want to share a picture of her, of who she truly was and how she ought to be remembered, for she was beautiful inside and out, with a radiant face that shone with joy and light.

Every day, we carry you in our hearts, my love, my beloved sister and lifelong friend. Until we meet again, my angel.

Love you
Ruth xxxx