The family of a much-loved gran killed in an horrific head-on car smash have spoken movingly of the 'big void in our lives' and of the 'irreparable damage' caused by the actions of a 100mph driver.
Doris 'Dot' Bridgehouse, 82, died at the scene on Halifax Road in Littleborough, Rochdale, in May 2022.
'Idiotic' Audi driver Trent Simm, who reached speeds of 118mph in a 30mph zone moments before the impact, was jailed last week for seven years and four months for causing her death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to two others, Dot's daughter Amanda Holmes, 56, and her grandson, Max, Amanda's 22-year-old son.
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Amanda, from West Yorkshire, was a front seat passenger and spent more than a month in hospital fighting for her life. Dot's grandson Max, a rear seat passenger, suffered severe seatbelt injuries and internal bleeding. They had all been to Salford University on the day, where Max was studying, to celebrate him finishing his degree course.
Today, Amanda and Max revealed Dot was a nurse in Tameside and Oldham for more than 25 years - dedicating her life to helping others - as they revealed treasured family album photographs of her at work decades ago.
Amanda, who suffered a brain injury, a broken wrist and broken ribs as well as damage to her pelvis, said: "Nursing was her vocation - she was committed to caring for people and she was amazing at it. She was a beautiful person inside and out, was always loved by family and friends as she was so kind. Grieving is difficult because of the way that we have lost mum - tragically and suddenly; dreadful, incomprehensible and shocking.
"It's been a devastating 18 months for myself and my two sons. My son and I are still trying to put things into perspective and cope emotionally and physically after the tragedy and also our injuries.
"To feel like we do and the loss and sadness is something that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Max has very vivid memories that he is going to have for the rest of his life and which I would take away from him in a heartbeat if I could."
The pair spoke out to mark Road Safety Week, a nationwide campaign focusing on raising awareness and the prevention of accidents.
Amanda, also a nurse, only returned to work part-time in January.
"My memories of the crash are quite vague because I suffered a serious head injury," she said. "We had a lovely day at Salford University, celebrating the end of my son's degree, and were driving home along a familiar road in Littleborough.
"I remember a junction before the accident but recall very little of the crash apart from the sound of metal on metal and didn’t wake up properly until around July. I feel angry – his [Simm's] behaviour was irresponsible and inexcusable. Mum didn't stand a chance - his unforgivable actions have left a gap in our family that can never be filled.
"When I learned to drive when I was 17 my dad said to me 'always remember that you are in charge of a lethal weapon'. Driving at irresponsible and dangerous speeds is thoughtless and careless. It kills and ruins lives.
"Actions have consequences and if you are going to take those risks, then you must be prepared to take the consequences. Hopefully speaking out will make drivers think again if they intend to drive at speed and if we can save one life, then that is a fitting tribute to my mum."
A court heard after the crash, Simm, 25, of Edenfield Road, Rochdale, approached the wreckage of the Kia Venga they were in, and having seen Max crawl out of the car, asked who was in the car with him. Max replied: "My mum and my nan, and I think they are dead."
Simm then phoned his mum and said 'I think I have messed up here', Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
Max has more vivid recollections of the crash - and thanked all those who came to their aid at the scene, as well as the emergency services.
He said: "I remember getting out of the car and seeing people starting to flood onto the street. The emergency services arrived, and I remember feeling totally helpless and had no idea what to do. It was horrifying; you never expect something like that to happen.
"To drive at speeds like that, speeds of over 100mph, is inexcusable. I don't care if you don't have the intent to go out there and kill someone, he’s chosen to drive like that and chosen to drive like an idiot.
"It's just not fair that he has done this to people driving at the speed limit.
"That night has left a big void in our lives and irreparable damage, and he deserves the time that he's going to have to spend in prison."
