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I’ll miss ‘best dad’

by Ruhubia Akbor
14/ 5/2008

A SCHOOLGIRL has paid a touching tribute to her dad who died in a tragic motorcycle accident.

Danielle Jones, the eldest daughter of Karl Jason Jones, has spoken of the heartache of losing her dad last July.

"My dad is the best dad ever," said the 13-year-old, "I love him so much and think about him every second of every day. I wish he was here to see our family and his friends. I miss him so much and wish he was here to see Paige, my baby sister."

The former St Anne’s pupil now lives in Bury with her mum Jane, along with Karl’s fiancée Kelly and baby daughter Paige, who is Danielle’s half-sister. Little Paige never got to meet her dad as she was born a few months after Karl’s accident. Karl died just hours after discovering the sex of the baby and was able to name his unborn daughter.

Now Danielle has vowed to ensure their dad’s memory lives on and will tell her little sister all about him.

"He was really loving and funny," she said. "He was a fantastic dad and we got on like mates. It’s been very hard but it’s great having Paige as she’s a part of my dad. Everyone keeps saying we look like each other and she reminds me of my dad. It was his first birthday where he’s not been here last week and I’m upset."

The inquest into Karl’s death heard that he died after his motorcycle clipped the near-side kerb on a bend yards from his home on Huddersfield Road.

He had been out riding with his step-father when he lost control of his Honda CBR600F.

Mr Hardman told the court that he had ridden on ahead and did not see the crash but when Karl didn't catch-up he returned to find people tending to his step-son. Sadly Karl died at the scene after suffering a broken neck.

Danielle is now making a box – containing photos and mementoes such as the tiara she was meant to wear at Karl and Kelly’s planned September wedding – to show Paige when she is older.

Kelly said of the two sisters’ close bond: "They’re brilliant together, like two peas in a pod. I miss Karl. He was the light of my life and sometimes it still doesn’t go in. But I’ve moved to Bury to make a fresh start with his two daughters.

"We’re trying to make something special. I love Danielle to bits. She’s like her dad in many ways. I feel honoured I can spend this time with his first daughter."

After a turbulent and difficult few months the family have decided to treat Danielle and Paige to a holiday in Florida.