The pregnant mother of a seven-year-old Fife boy who died after an A9 accident at the weekend says she has honoured her son’s wish that his death would bring the gift of life to others.
Hazel Gibson (29), from Lochgelly, was driving her Renault Kangoo northbound on the A9 near Bankfoot on Friday when her car was in collision with a southbound Peugeot.
Her partner Michael Joyce (31), of Canongate, Edinburgh, who was a front-seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her son Cole sadly died of his injuries in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on Sunday.
Hazel, who is 17 weeks pregnant, sustained serious injuries including a fractured collar bone, back and pelvic bone. Speaking from her hospital bed at Ninewells, she talked about the miracle of not miscarrying and said the decision to donate organs was made by Cole himself at a young age.
She said: ”Cole decided he wanted to be on the Organ Donor Register when he was five after he picked up a leaflet that came through the letterbox. We made a decision then as a family that it was what we all wanted to do and we are now all on the Organ Donor Register.
”Knowing that Cole’s death is helping other children waiting for life-saving transplants is helping me in some way to come to terms with what has happened. I already know that his heart is going to a two-year-old girl and that has given me a glimmer of hope knowing that, while he is not here, he’s still making a difference to a very sick young girl elsewhere in the UK.”
She added: ”I just hope that when people read this they will appreciate how precious the gift of life can be and to consider putting themselves on the Organ Donor Register. I know it’s not for everyone, but if a few more join as a result of what has happened to my family then Cole’s death has not been in vain and it’s been worthwhile sharing our story.”
Pupils at Benarty Primary School are mourning the loss of their P3 classmate. Head teacher Eleanor MacGregor described the tragic youngster as a ”lovely, friendly boy”. She said he was excelling in all areas of school.
She said: ”Cole’s sudden passing has come as a great shock to the whole school community. Cole was very popular with all staff and pupils across the school and we will miss him terribly.
”Our thoughts and best wishes are with Cole’s family and friends at this time.”
Tayside Police continue to investigate the crash and have appealed for witnesses.
The accident happened at about 7.30pm on Friday.
Ms Gibson was driving north on a single-carriageway stretch of the A9 when the vehicle was involved in a collision with the Peugeot. Two women in the Peugeot, aged 18 and 19, were taken to hospital and later released.
The road was closed for seven hours to allow crash investigators to examine the scene.
Cowdenbeath MSP Helen Eadie said: ”I know that people in Benarty and wider Fife will be shocked and saddened at this news. There are still too many serious road traffic accidents and we can only hope and pray for those who are in hospital.”
Six people have now died on the A9 between Perth and Inverness since the start of the year, reinforcing its reputation as Scotland’s deadliest road. Over the last five years there have been more fatalities on the A9 than any other Scottish road.
The stretch between Perth and Inverness alternates between single and dual carriageway and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser is one of those who has made repeated calls for the entire road to be dualled.
Mr Fraser said: ”It is a tragedy to have lost these lives on the A9 and our thoughts are with their families and friends at this very difficult time.”
Witnesses can contact Tayside Police on 0300 1112222 with any information.
To find out more about joining the Organ Donor Register visit organdonation.nhs.uk.