'Mum didn't stand a chance - his unforgivable actions have left a gap that can never be filled'
23.11.2023 - 10:43
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The family of a much-loved gran killed in an horrific head-on car smash have spoken movingly of the 'big void in our lives' and of the 'irreparable damage' caused by the actions of a 100mph driver.
Doris 'Dot' Bridgehouse, 82, died at the scene on Halifax Road in Littleborough, Rochdale, in May 2022.
'Idiotic' Audi driver Trent Simm, who reached speeds of 118mph in a 30mph zone moments before the impact, was jailed last week for seven years and four months for causing her death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to two others, Dot's daughter Amanda Holmes, 56, and her grandson, Max, Amanda's 22-year-old son.
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Amanda, from West Yorkshire, was a front seat passenger and spent more than a month in hospital fighting for her life. Dot's grandson Max, a rear seat passenger, suffered severe seatbelt injuries and internal bleeding. They had all been to Salford University on the day, where Max was studying, to celebrate him finishing his degree course.
Today, Amanda and Max revealed Dot was a nurse in Tameside and Oldham for more than 25 years - dedicating her life to helping others - as they revealed treasured family album photographs of her at work decades ago.
Amanda, who suffered a brain injury, a broken wrist and broken ribs as well as damage to her pelvis, said: "Nursing was her vocation - she was committed to caring for people and she was amazing at it. She was a beautiful person inside and out, was always loved by family and friends as she was so kind. Grieving is difficult because