Judy’s Story

Hi my name is Judy Lindsay… I’m Hayley’s Mum and a survivor of losing my only child, my beautiful daughter 10 years ago in a car crash by a drunk driver.

Life was good, we were happy. Hayley was very popular and everyone she met loved her. I was enjoying watching her grow into a beautiful young woman who had so much empathy for people and helped and supported anyone who needed it …. nothing prepared me for that phone call.

At 11.34pm on the 16^th May 2009 my life changed forever. I received a phone call from an ambulance officer who called and asked me if I was Hayley’s Mum, I said yes, the lady said Hayley has been in a very serious car accident. I said is she alright, and the lady said, no unfortunately we were unable to revive her.

I went straight to the crash site, I was on the side of the road with Hayley’s body in disbelief that this was happening. I live with the knowing that Hayley was frightened and wanted to get out of the car but he wouldn’t stop.

He took Hayley’s life in his hands and threw it away.

It has taken me ten years to feel like I can finally breath again. It has been a lot of hard work and digging deep to find inner strength on the hard days to survive, but I did to get me where I am today. I still have bad days but they are getting further apart. I think of her every day and I always knew that I would create something positive out of Hayley’s death.

My intention is now to educate drivers on the effects of Drunk driving, Drug Driving, Texting and speeding while driving. I am also here to help and support parents who have suffered the loss of a child. We are not meant to bury our children, they are meant to bury us in this cycle of life.

I am an Ambassador for Road Safety through CARS and I offer educational presentations for schools, Keynote Speaking for Conferences and Events.