8:40am Friday 20th February 2009
THE mum of a Northwich sports star hopes his memory can inspire talented youngsters.
Yvonne Jones, whose son Craig was described after his death last year as having the motorcycling world at his feet, has hailed a memorial to the 23-year-old outside his family home.
“He’s probably laughing his head off somewhere,” she smiled.
“Craig never saw himself as a hero, he just loved what he did and knowing other people got the same happiness watching him was enough.
“He would never have imagined there would be a tree and bench for him in front of his mum’s house.”
On Wednesday neighbours and friends gathered outside the Jones’ house on Marshall Lane, Greenbank, to unveil the latest tribute to a brilliant motorcyclist - a cherry blossom tree plus a bench adorned with a plaque.
It reads: ‘World Supersport Racer - Living the Dream.’ “He was known by so many people,” said PCSO Barb Billington, who came up with the idea.
“We hope his career can inspire other young people from Greenbank to follow their dreams and use their talents, whatever they may be.
“Craig was a local lad done good and youngsters in Northwich can relate to that.”
The former Hartford High School pupil was competing for the lead during a Supersport World Championship race at Brands Hatch last August when, as he accelerated through one of the fastest corners of the Kent track, he lost control of his Honda bike.
He later died from injuries sustained in the accident.
“We thought it was a lovely idea from the start,” said Yvonne.
“Nobody expects a memorial for their own kid, so I was a bit taken aback, but on reflection it’s something we were really happy for them to do.”
“Barb, along with PC Terry Boyle, has really driven this and I was happy for them to do what they wanted as it was something they had clearly thought about before coming to see us.
“Craig was born and bred in Northwich and never forgot his roots - he loved coming back to see everybody - so to have something outside his home in Greenbank means a lot.”
PCSO Billington thanked Vale Royal Borough Council, Weaver Vale Garden Centre and Hartford High School for their help.
She added: “We wanted to do something for the community.
“Craig’s family have lived on the estate for a very long time, which is why they seemed the perfect reason to bring everybody together.”
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