Family's road safety plea after motorcycle death

The family of a motorcyclist who died after she was hit head-on by a disqualified driver have warned motorists that their actions can "change lives forever".

Amy Cooper, 20, was killed as she rode home on the B1168, near Holbeach, in November 2022.

Amy's mother, Amanda Cooper, and sister, Sam Pointon, have paid tribute to Amy and asked people to take more care on the roads as part of a new police campaign.

"It's so important for people to be aware that one wrong decision can be so catastrophic," Sam said.

Amy was struck by a car being driven by Shane Kelk as he crossed onto the wrong side of the road to overtake another vehicle. She died the following day in hospital from her injuries.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Kelk had left Amy "dying in the road" as he fled the scene.

"It's unfathomable how anybody could do that," Amanda said. "Just appalling. It's just beyond comprehension."

In February 2023, Kelk was jailed for eight years and three months after he admitted a string of motoring offences.

Recalling the crash, Amanda described her feelings when she arrived at the scene, and said: "My heart just hit the floor because I knew it was bad.

"I don't think we'll ever fully process it and it is very difficult to talk about," Sam added.

"We see fatalities in the news almost every single day and you can stay very divorced from it until you're in that situation."

Amy's family has now asked drivers to be more careful and to consider the potential consequences of their decisions.

Sam added: "If only people would just stop and think when they're driving and just be a little bit more patient.

"It's not just repeat offenders that cause these crashes, they can be caused by absolutely anybody."

In a Lincolnshire Police campaign video, Amanda said her daughter was "kind and funny and she lit up all of our lives", adding she had been "robbed of her whole adult life".

Amanda said: "We loved her to bits. It is just so unfair."

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