THE SON of a Sully nurse who was killed after being struck by a car when the driver suffered a diabetic black-out is fundraising in her memory.

Andrew Meredith is set to finish a series of long-distance cycling challenges in aid of Diabetes UK next month.

His mother Suzanne Meredith, who was a district nursing sister / team leader at Redlands Surgery in Penarth, was killed after she was “mown down” by a car being driven by a diabetic motorist on Lavernock Road in May 2006 .

The driver, Phillip Willey, was subsequently found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, because he failed to control his sugar levels during his journey, and was jailed for four and a half years in December 2007.

Andrew Meredith, who grew up in Sully, said: “This summer I have signed up for several long distance cycling events and want to raise as much money as I can for Diabetes UK.

“The money I raise will go some way to improve the chances of preventing or curing diabetes as well as helping to provide vital services.

“I've set myself an ambitious fund raising target and will be grateful for any donations.”

Former Sully Primary School pupil Andrew, 31, added: “My father was left with life changing injuries and tragically my mother was killed. This loss has left a huge void in our family with mum not being around to share milestones in all of our lives.

“As well as a loving mother and wife, mum was a well respected district nurse in Penarth and spent her working life caring for others.”

Julian, who she was walking with Suzanne at the time, said: “My late wife took pride in the care of all patients and took a special interest in those with diabetes. In fact, she had just begun a degree course and had successfully completed several modules including modules on the disease.

“Suzanne is greatly missed by me, our three grown up children and their spouses. My granddaughter was born nearly three years ago and it saddens us to think that Suzanne never got to see grandchildren.”

He added that he hoped his son’s fundraising would “go a little way in continuing the work and dedication of his late mother”.

“Diabetes UK was particularly supportive and helpful around the time of the accident and the family appreciate the work the organisation does in supporting those who suffer from the disease.”

Andrew has already completed the BikeBath 100miles and the Tenby sportive 112miles races, and is due to finish off his cycling challenge with the RideLondon 100 miles race on Sunday, August 10.

He added that he was looking forward to the RideLondon 100 and that in preparation he had been cycling 30-40miles about three to four times a week in a bid to build up stamina:

“Training has been going really well and I’ve cycled over 200 miles so far this year.”

Andrew can be sponsored at:

justgiving.com/Meredith-Andy

You can also text MERE53 £5 (or any other amount)to 70070