Arron's Story

11.09.82

Our perfect son Arron was born, completing our family. His older sister and brother loved him from the start and there was never any sibling rivalry. Nina, being 8 years older, had her ready made ‘doll’ and Lloyd, aged 5, was just so pleased the new addition was not another girl as he so wanted a brother. His name, Arron, was devised from our names- a bit of Barry and Yvonne- very appropriate we think! Being the third child and getting so much attention, he was the most loving and happy child. Right from the start, he fitted into Nina and Lloyd’s busy schedules of early morning swimming, football, dancing, Cubs, Brownies (etc) and managed to stay happy and content throughout.

He attended Runnymede playschool before starting Kingston Primary School at age 5. I was secretly pleased that he cried for ages on his first day as he couldn’t bear to leave me, but he soon settled in when he made friends. Arron’s outgoing and friendly personality showed at a very early age; he was extremely popular and charmed his way through school! Even at this age, he was already very laid back and could be seen at any given time sucking his two middle fingers! He took up every opportunity offered at Kingston representing the school at football and athletics- and even did a stint in the choir! In his spare time at weekends he was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Thundersley Rovers football team, where he made his name as a crowd pleasing goal keeper! He enjoyed his football but was just biding his time until he could play rugby.

Once he moved on to King John, his sporting talent was even more apparent. He represented the school in pole vaulting, athletics, table tennis and, of course, rugby. For his 14th birthday, Arron got his dream present of a motor cross bike. I naively suggested that he used it for his paper round and Arron, knowing this was illegal, could not believe his luck- though he did get caught by the Police! Predictably, he learnt to drive at the earliest age possible and unknown to me, did a few unaccompanied trips up to King John to show off the Mark1 Golf that he had bought at age 15!

For his work experience, Arron organised his own placement at Rayleigh Karting and went on to work there whilst at school and college, breaking a few track records in the process! Arron’s love of all things fast and dangerous has always been present; like a lot of teenagers he has bungeed in Cyprus and sky-dived in Australia.

When he left King John after doing quite well with his GCSEs (despite nearly missing his science exam!), he moved on to SEEVIC with the intention of doing three A levels. However, university wasn’t his goal as he was far more interested in ‘action’. Having had a stab at a few various jobs, he saved enough money to take himself off to Australia for a bit of solo travelling. On his return, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a full time police officer. To Arron it wasn’t a job. He absolutely loved going in to work. His enthusiasm (along with lots of late night clubbing) enabled him to cope with shifts and all of the responsibility that the job entailed.

The summer leading up to his accident was about as good as life can get. He was loving his job, spending lots of time socialising with his many friends, had moved in to his own flat, and was enjoying riding his motorbike. He also met his very special girlfriend, Danielle, who has shown amazing courage and resilience through such unbelievable circumstances.

15.09.07

On the day of the accident, he had just flown home from a holiday in Ibiza and was joyously happy, looking forward to the first game of the rugby season, then planning to go into work after the match. He had already been declared ‘Man of the Match’ but was still giving his all until the final whistle. Barry and I were on the sidelines at Basildon’s ground and witnessed the accident in horror and disbelief.

From this point on, Arron’s life was to take a very unexpected change. He has likened the accident to the ultimate challenge. He has astounded us all, every day with his positive attitude and mental strength.