A DEVASTATED father has broken his silence to appeal for the motorist who caused his 21-year-old daughter’s death to come forward.
As the first anniversary of Nicola Chambers’ death approaches, her father Colin has spoken exclusively to the Oldham Advertiser about his daily struggle to cope with the loss.
The 44-year-old says that the whole family is still struggling to accept what happened and cannot move on while the person who was responsible still walks free.
Nicola died from head injuries when her black Ford Focus crashed into a fence on the M60 near Denton. She had only recently discovered she was pregnant and the baby died as well.
The Failsworth resident was returning from her job in Stockport at around 5.50pm on Thursday, April 5, when she was forced into the central reservation by another car.
Her vehicle spun across the four-lane carriageway, careered up an embankment, and smashed through a wooden fence.
An inquest into Nicola’s death recorded a verdict of ‘unlawful killing’ and heard that the silver Audi A4 – registration beginning LX and possibly followed by 06 – had caused the accident by being driven dangerously and aggressively.
It is also known the driver – described as Asian, aged 35 to 40 – stopped on the hard shoulder and drove off again.
But despite numerous appeals the driver has never come forward, and the police investigation to find him came to nothing.
"It’s still very raw for me," says her father. "Until Nic’s death I had heard about parents burying their children but couldn’t imagine it. You don’t think it will ever happen to you, but when it does it’s like having your heart ripped out.
"She was such a lovely girl and I miss her."
Colin, a mechanic, who lives at Norfolk Crescent, Failsworth, admitted it still hurts to see pictures of his daughter and says he visits her grave every Sunday.
The loss has proved equally difficult for Nicola’s mum Alison and brothers Scott, 17, and Ben, eight.
Fighting back the tears, Colin said his "indescribable" year has been made harder by the lack of justice.
"I don’t know what I’d do if I ever came face to face with the person that caused the crash, stopp-ed and looked and took off leaving Nic behind," he said. "That day must be sitting on someone’s conscience and I hope they will come forward.
"We’re living in an age where it’s hard to find a decent person and people aren’t as honest as they used to be."
In the aftermath of Nicola’s death more than £10,000 was raised for the neo-natal ward at St Mary’s Hospital.
Fundraising in her name continues on May 24 with a charity auction and sportsman’s dinner at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, in aid of Manchester Kids, a charity which supports voluntary and charitable projects for disadvantaged children.
The event features a champagne reception, with former Arsenal and England footballer Paul Merson as guest speaker, and Yorkshire comedian Billy Bean. There will be a three-course meal and auction for, among other items, a £3,000 Bellagio watch and signed sporting items.
The event is organised by Nicola’s pal Paul Griffiths, who is keen to hear from anyone who can donate to the auction. Visit www.nicola-chambers-appeal.org.uk or call Paul on 07939 413399.
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