The partner of a Hollyoaks actress has been left shattered after a car crash claimed her life and that of their unborn child.
In an emotional statement, he revealed how his world was “completely shattered in a moment” due to the tragic loss of his pregnant partner Frankie Jules-Hough and their baby girl Neeve in a horrific collision on the M66, reports OK!.
Calvin Buckley has bravely spoken about the immense pain following the death of Frankie and their daughter, who were fatally injured when reckless driver Adil Iqbal, from Accrington, was filmed swerving between lanes at 123mph before smashing into Frankie’s stationary car.
The much-loved soap star had pulled over onto the hard shoulder because of a flat tyre when the devastating accident occurred on 13 May last year, leading to 38-year-old Frankie and her unborn baby’s death a few days later from their injuries.
(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Frankie’s two sons and nephew, who were also in the vehicle during the tragic event, sustained injuries.
Calvin, overwhelmed by grief, is now campaigning for road safety and endorsing the ‘Touch Screen’ campaign that began on 7 May, aiming to highlight the perils of distracted driving.
Calvin, an Oldham native, shared his grievous story: “Two people lost their lives as a result of someone using their phone while driving, and to put it simply my life was destroyed.
“I lost my partner and the chance to become a father, but it has also affected many other people and the effects of this incident will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
He further added: “My life was completely shattered in a moment and now I’m trying to rebuild my life and make something positive out of it by supporting this campaign and the vision zero strategy.”
22-year-old Adil Iqbal received a 12-year sentence after confessing to causing the death of Frankie Jules-Hough and severely injuring her nine-year-old son Thomas in a heartbreaking motorway crash.
However, in a reversal of justice last October, three appeal judges determined that the initial sentence was too lenient and extended his term to 15 years. Calvin had previously criticised the lenient sentence.
(Image: PA)
The ‘Touch Screen’ campaign, initiated by Safer Roads Greater Manchester, is led by the ambitious ‘vision zero strategy’, which aims to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on Greater Manchester’s roads by 2040.
The campaign’s captivating videos showcase three drivers who become perilously distracted as they use their mobile phones to answer calls, text, change music or check maps while driving.
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In a gripping twist, Calvin’s impassioned appeal to motorists has bolstered the campaign’s radio advert.
His voice resonates over the airwaves, delivering a grave caution about the perils of inattentive driving.
Calvin urgently implored: “It’s become quite common for people to use their phone to check messages, send photos or change the music while driving. The use of mobile phones in our society has grown, and for some people it’s all they’ve ever known.”
“But all it takes is a split second to become distracted, and when you take your eyes off the road anything could happen. You could hit another car, a pedestrian, or injure yourself.”
“Please don’t touch your phone while driving. You could get fined, get points on your licence or, more seriously, take somebody’s life.”
Echoing Calvin’s concerns, Superintendent Gareth Parkin from Greater Manchester Police’s Special Operations underscored the critical need for undistracted driving, stating: “The road requires your full attention whatever your mode of transport. Distractions such as mobile phones and other handheld devices can cause you to lose your focus on the road and potentially miss an upcoming hazard.”
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
