'When he died, a part of me died'

SON LOST HIS LIFE AS HE CYCLED TO COLLEGE

- By LAUREN DAVIDSON [e-mail] @GrimsbyLive

THE mother of a 16-year-old boy who was tragically killed as he cycled to college on his first day has bravely shared her story in a bid to encourage cyclists and drivers to take extra care on the roads.

On September 11, 2023, Rhys Shepherd, 16, was involved in a collision with a bus transporting scores of students to Franklin College in Grimsby.

Hundreds of heartfelt tributes poured in for Rhys on social media, describing him as a “lovely young man” and “one of the most genuine” people.

More than a year and a half on from his death, Rhys’ mum, Helen, has shared her story as part of Humberside Police's ‘One Second’ campaign, which aims to highlight the preventable reality of road traffic collisions.

Speaking in a poignant video, Helen said: “When he was little, it was only me and him until he was five, so I think you build that quite strong mum-son relationship in those first few years.

“It kind of did go through to him being a teenager.”

Helen said “life” was Rhys’ hobby - he wanted to be outside on his bike, see every film, listen to every song.

“He just had that thirst for life. He just liked to be outside and see the world and what was going on.”

Recalling the day Rhys died, Helen said: “So the day it happened, myself and my husband weren't actually here. We were away.