Living tribute to Terri, killed on rail crossing

Apr 22 2009 By Mark Goode, Staines News

Terri Mansell was killed on a level crossing last year.

FAMILY and friends of a woman who was killed by a train on a level crossing in Staines have scattered her ashes and planted a tree in her memory on the first anniversary of the tragedy.

Terri Mansell, 66, of Berkeley Close, Staines, died when she was hit by a train on April 16 last year, while crossing the unmanned Moor Lane crossing.

About 50 people met outside the retired lecturer and artist's house last Thursday, before walking to an undisclosed location where they held a ceremony in her memory.

Her son Ian, who lives in Egham, and daughter Gemma and five grandchildren all helped to plant a peach tree and bury some of her ashes and the last piece of jewellery she made.

A commemorative bench was also placed nearby.

Ian, who gave the opening speech, said: "The accident occurred one year today. I am sure we all can remember where we were when it happened, and it is still hard to think about it one year on.

"It still doesn't seem real. Every time the family get together it is like 'where's Terri?' I think the one good thing that has come out of this, if there is a good thing, is that they fixed that awful crossing.

"This bench and all the people gathered here are signs of respect for someone who was truly loved. It is something that we can all use for years to come. If my mum was here, she would absolutely love this."

Close friend Heather George, who was walking with Terri when she died, read a poem called April 16, and Ian's wife also read a remembrance poem.

Heather met Terri two decades ago, through Terri's son Ian, and about five years ago the pair became regular walkers. Heather said: "I always partly blamed myself for the accident because I was with her, and I thought it was up to me to try and free her. But the family didn't react like that."

Ian said his mother was an artist who had a broad range of interests from philosophy to music.

He said: "She was the best mother there has ever been. She was a mother and a friend and we had a very unique relationship.

"She was the most bubbly, caring, and lovely person."