Jackson anniversary anguish

Lynsey Turner said that the loss of her beloved seven-year-old son Jackson. who had been a primary four pupil at Sunnylands Primary, has “left a hole that can never be filled”.

Jackson and his five-year-old sister Ally were returning home to Carrick after spending Boxing Day with relatives when a three-vehicle collision occurred at Old Belfast Road, Newtownabbey.

Jackson died in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children during the early hours of December 27.

Mum Lynsey said that their lives have been changed forever.

In an interview published by the Belfast Telegraph, Lynsey said: “Jackson has left a hole that can never be filled. He was such a big part of our lives.

“If there is one thing I would say, it would be to ask people to slow down and take care on the roads.

“All it takes is a moment for everything to be destroyed forever. It isn’t worth it.

“Time doesn’t make it any easier. It probably makes is worse.”

Lynsey went on say that she finds the 27th of every month hard as well as Christmas and the recent anniversary of Jackson’s death.

She added: “There are days when I can get on with things and there are days when I just go to Jackson’s room and talk to him. It makes me feel closer to him but I can’t cry in front of Ally. It’s not for her to see.”

She indicated that she wants to keep Jackson’s name alive by donating money to the Helping Hand charity which supports the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

“It doesn’t seem like a year ago. Everything still feels so fresh in my mind. I still have nightmares. I still have panic attacks. I can go for days without sleeping until I finally get some sleep because I’m exhausted.

“I put on a brave face for people and people tell me I’m brave but I’m not, I just pretend I’m OK. I have to be for Ally.”

A tree was planted at Sunnylands Primary in memory of Jackson in April.

Speaking at the ceremony, principal Gareth Hamilton said that the youngster was a “cherished member of the school family”.