‘He was such a character. He was really funny and loved everyone’
THE mum of a teenager who was killed in a car crash has opened up about her grief ahead of what would have been her son’s 18th birthday.
Jack Whittaker died last October in a crash involving one car near Seven Sisters fire station, in Neath Port Talbot county borough. Following his death, thousands of pounds were raised in memory of Jack, who would have turned 18 tomorrow.
Jack’s mum Caru Whittaker said that, nearly 10 months after he died, it “doesn’t get any easier”.
“I think of him every day,” the mum-of-two added. “You get some days when it is really hard. It is a total change of lifestyle. It is really difficult.”
Ms Whittaker said that she can’t help thinking about the fact that Jack – who was training in college to become a bricklayer – will never have his own children, for example.
She continued: “He was such a character. He was really funny and loved everyone.
“He also liked cars and was looking forward to having a driving licence.”
On Saturday, a table in memory of Jack was unveiled at the Pit Head Wheels, in the Millennium Gardens, Seven Sisters.
Ms Whittaker thanked the community for their support, adding it is “marvellous” what they have done.
Jack’s grandmother, Iris Tree, said they have been overwhelmed by the community’s response.
“It is amazing – Jack had so many friends,” she added. “It is so peaceful and quiet there [at the Pit Head Wheels] – it is lovely.”
The councillor for Seven Sisters, Stephen Hunt – who is also a friend of the family – gave a speech ahead of the memorial table being unveiled by Ms Whittaker and Jack’s brother James.
“I know it is still very sad and very raw,” he said in his speech. “Jack was such a cheeky character – we all have memories of him and they will live with us forever. I am so proud of the community for getting together for such a wonderful event.
“We all knew Jack very well and it is as if he is here with us today. Imagine he is here with us and how he would be enjoying his birthday.”
Speaking after the unveiling, Mr Hunt said Seven Sisters is a close-knit community and that everyone was shocked by Jack’s death.
He added: “It was his friends who asked for this. They said they would like somewhere they could go to remember him forever.”
Around 100 people attended the event, including many of Jack’s friends.
One of them, Garan Howell, said the memorial table was very touching.
“We miss Jack every day – he was one of a kind, “the 19-year-old said. “There is no-one like him.”
Braidy Figoni went to school with Jack and remembers playing football in the streets with him when they were children.
The 18-year-old said: “Jack was very funny – he was unique.
“He was so friendly with everyone. He was a very good friend and would give you his last pound.”
Another of Jack’s friends, Tylah Cook, 21, said it was amazing that they now have a space where they can go to remember Jack.