Husband calls for law change to stop ‘carnage’
THE husband of cycling crash victim Kim Briggs yesterday spoke of his heartbreak over the ‘senseless carnage’ of her death and called for a change in cycling laws.
Company director Matt Briggs, 45, said his world had ‘fallen apart’ following the loss of his wife and the mother of his 11-year-old daughter and son aged 14.
He said: ‘How do you begin to quantify what the loss of Kim meant to me, our children, and her many friends?
‘Kim and I were together for 26 years and married for 18. But for this tragedy, we would have celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary just a few weeks ago.’
The couple met during their first year at university, married in 1997 and went on to have ‘two wonderful’ children, he said.
‘Perhaps our happiest times were on holiday in Scotland with the kids,’ Mr Briggs added. ‘We went three times a year.
‘Kim lived for her children and her family. She wanted to make everyone happy, and for everyone to get the most out of life. “Make every day count” was Kim’s mantra. She was quick to smile, slow to judge, and even slower to anger.’
Recalling the accident, he said: ‘We were a very straightforward, happy London family. On the 12th of February 2016 that was all taken away from us when Kim was hit as she crossed the road.
‘I had to bring the children to hospital and tell them that Mummy was probably going to die … my children had to say goodbye to their mother as she
‘Tried my best to be mum and dad’
lay in the intensive care unit. Our world fell apart. I lost my wife and my best friend. Our children lost their mother who always had their back.
‘As I prepared this statement I asked them what they missed the most, from missed netball games and rugby matches, to school plays and cuddles on the sofa. This loss will still be felt on wedding days, first homes and grandchildren.
‘I tried my best to be a home maker. I tried my best to be both mum and dad. But I cannot come close to Kim.’
Mr Briggs said the trial had been ‘gruelling and painful’, but added: ‘I refuse to bring my children up with anger … Rather, I choose to bring my children up surrounded by joy. This is what Kim would do and this is what I will do.
‘And out of this senseless carnage I will try and bring change in the law … Perhaps in this way I can honour my wife. I am trying my very best to give these amazing children the life they deserve, with the emotional support they need. But sometimes the grief overwhelms me.’
Outside court, Mr Briggs said the law was ‘outdated’ and called for a ‘death by dangerous cycling’ offence. He added: ‘I am determined to do what I can to prevent others from going through the heartache we have had to bear … This is not a witch hunt against all cyclists, only the irresponsible and reckless.’
The Briggs family lawyer said they will pursue a civil claim for damages against Alliston.
Prince Harry heard about the family’s plight and arranged to meet them at a rugby match earlier this year. Mr Briggs told friends he was ‘honoured’ the royal had taken an interest.