Bereaved dad hails ‘strength’ of Harlow’s family

A BEREAVED father has hailed the “incredible strength” being shown by the family of tragic Tayside toddler Harlow Edwards.

Andrew Sneddon, 41, from Glenrothes, said it was extremely brave of Sara and Steven Edwards to share the family’s experience in a bid to help save the lives of others.

Mrs Edwards spoke at the annual Safe Drive Stay Alive programme in Forfar and pupils were reduced to tears as she delivered a bereaved parent’s perspective.

Mr Sneddon’s five-year-old son Ross was killed in Glenrothes in 2004 by a jobless hit-and-run driver who was high on a cocktail of drink and drugs.

He said: “They are just at the start of their journey and I’m 14 years down the road.

“I know what’s ahead for them, but they have shown incredible strength by doing something positive to try to educate young people about safe driving. It’s incredibly important that we have voices such as Sara’s at events like this and I will support them in any way I can.”

Mr Sneddon has been a key speaker at Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshows since the accident and has spoken to thousands of young people who are about to start driving.

Texting driver Luke Pirie, from Forfar, was travelling at 50mph through a 30mph zone in Coupar Angus when he attempted to overtake a line of cars, lost control and mounted a pavement, hitting twoyear-old Harlow, her older sister Dionne and a sixyear-old boy. He was jailed for six years after admitting driving dangerously.