Sad but true. There is an article in the Reading Chronic this week: <icberkshire.icnetwork.c-icberkshire.icnetwork.c-Open ↗
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ributes%2Dpour%2Din%2Dfor%2Dpopular%2Dyoungster-name_page.html>
Note that the tone of the paper is that the fault lies in the child's failure to wear a plastic hat.
No doubt the driver's insurers will take great comfort from this. The parents blame the lack of a
barrier along the road, to separate cars from bikes. The driver can't be at fault, obviously.
A SCHOOLBOY who died in a road accident touched the lives of many people and his parents have
thanked all who paid tribute to him this week.
Daniel Wise, 14, was cycling home from school along Lower Earley Way last Wednesday, when he was
struck by a white Jaguar.
The police say the youngster died instantly after suffering a head injury.
Now his parents, Lesley and Dave Wise are calling for safety barriers to protect other cyclists -
and prevent another family going through the same ordeal.
Lesley Wise, of Fleetham Gardens, Lower Earley, told the Chronicle yesterday (Wednesday): "We are
devastated by the loss of our son. No words can express how we feel.
"Our thoughts are with the driver and all those who gave assistance at the scene.
"It was a tragic accident, and we hope lessons may be learned as a result.
"One comfort to us would be the introduction of barriers along Lower Earley Way to ensure parents
may know their own children are safe, and will be spared the pain we have experienced.
"We would take this opportunity to ask all parents to insist their children wear the correct
safety helmets."
Daniel joined the Forest School, in Robin Hood Lane, in 2000, having been taught at Hawkedon
Primary School.
His former headmaster Alan Youd still remembers the teenager. He said: "It's left us all shattered.
I remember clearly his blonde hair and big smile.
"We just hope some good can come out of this tragedy. The message has gone out to be careful."
The Forest school has had a helmet policy in place ever since pupil Philip Tribe was killed in a
cycling accident in 1992.
Although Daniel always wore his helmet when he rode home, the day was blazing hot and for once he
chose not to.
Forest School headteacher Keith Quine, who will be paying a tribute to Daniel at the funeral on
Monday, talked about the school pulling together for support and said: "His form tutor, Miss Peel,
sums up the feelings of so many of us in describing him as an absolutely genuine young man."
Daniel, whose parents are separated, was an only child. He was a Chelsea supporter and the team
dedicated their last game to his memory.
Daniel will be cremated in his prized Burberry cap and in a Chelsea blue coffin. More than than 250
friends and family members are expected to pay their last respects.
His family have chosen not to say where the funeral is being held as they wish to keep it private.
However, anyone who wishes to send flowers can do so through funeral directors JB Halls, in
Finchampstead Road, Wokingham.
--
Guy
Marvin is dead, long live Zaphod! There may be some problems getting hold of me while I resurrect
the data from the dead hard disks.