LETTER: Reader's reaction to Chatteris tragedy

Two ‘utterly devoted parents’, two beautiful girls, one idiotic driver, and so many lives are changed for forever more.

Rob (36) and his wife Paula Bateman (35) were driving between Mepal and Chatteris at 8pm on September 3, with their two young daughters, Lexi (10) and Elizabeth (18 months), also in the car, when they were struck by an Iveco van.

This took the lives of Rob and Paula and left Lexi and Elizabeth to travel through the wonder that is learning about life, navigate the perils and pitfalls that comes with life, and they will have to grow, laugh, smile, and cry, they will achieve things, graduate, get jobs, get married and have children like so many other girls will, but unlike most other girls, they will have to do it without the love, the guidance, the support, and without the laughs and tears of their parents. But more upsetting is the tactile bond between a family unit, and they will never hug or touch again as parents and children, and that is so heart-breaking.

Whether you drive a car, a van or a lorry, or whether you ride a motorcycle, or even a bicycle, every single one of them IS a killer if not respected, and too many drivers are far too ignorant of the destruction their carelessness will cause, until it’s too late.

Our thoughts go to Rob, Paula, Lexi, Elizabeth and their families and friends.

A Just Giving page has been set up to raise funds for the family, and at the time of writing, had raised over £14,000, I have donated a small amount, it will not help with the grief of the family, but it shows we care.

But, please be careful next time you get behind the wheel, are you in a fit state to drive, are you still suffering the effects of drink or drugs, are you mentally fit enough and in the right frame of mind to drive?

Please, please, be aware, whether you are a driver by profession, or for sure, or even a boy/girl racer, one mistake could kill!

Ashley Smith

March