Lanark mum backs road safety charity after tragedy

Beth Gilbert (36), of Beechwood Gate, wants to raise funds for Brake some 16 months after Lanark Grammar pupil Jane (16) died instantly when the Mitsubishi Evo being driven by her boyfriend Graham Mathie crashed on the B7078 in Lesmahagow.

“I want to raise awareness of the impact which losing a relative in a road accident can have on a family,” Beth said.

And, fighting back the tears, Beth added: “The last words my daughter ever said to me were: ‘You are the best’ and I never saw her again.”

Graham’s car hit the central reservation, lost a wheel, came back to the other side of the road and hit a wall. Both he and Jane – who was a front seat passenger – were killed instantly.

The horrific accident led to a series of emotional tributes soon being paid to the two young victims, including a release of Chinese lanterns at Lanark Loch.

In two other cruel quirks of fate, Jane had just been accepted onto a dental nurse school in Glasgow on the day she died. And the date of Jane’s death is the birthday of Beth’s partner Alex.

The pain of losing her will always remain for the couple, who hope that raising money for Brake will at least leave a legacy which will never die.

Beth added: “Jane was the centre of my life. I brought her up myself before meeting Alex four years ago.”

With the help of Councillor Ed Archer, Beth has arranged for a road safety banner – featuring a photograph of Jane – to be made in memory of Jane. Beth hopes the banner will be erected at the roundabout near Lanark’s Braidfute Retail Park.

To pledge money to Brake, please visit justgiving.com\Elizabeth-GILBERT2