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Jade mum: Time to move on from tragedy, 10 years on

Jade Hobbs
Jade Hobbs

It should have been a time to celebrate but for Caroline Hobbs this Wednesday will be a heartbreaking milestone.

Her daughter, Jade, would have been 18 on that date, preparing for a big party.

But, 10 years ago this December, she and her grandmother, Margaret Kuwertz, were killed crossing the road close to their home in Detling.

That tragedy led to a successful campaign by Caroline and her husband Paul to build a permanent footbridge over the A249 – Jade’s Crossing.

Since then, the Jade Appeal has gone on to spread the road safety message to children across Kent.

With the 10th anniversary approaching of the devastating accident which killed both Mrs Hobbs’ mother and daughter, the Hobbs have come to the difficult decision that it is time to move on and bid farewell to Maidstone.

The couple, who live a stone’s throw from Jade’s Crossing, are finally selling up and moving out of the house which was Jade’s home. Her bedroom has, for the past decade, remained as it was when she was killed.

Caroline Hobbs
Caroline Hobbs

Mrs Hobbs, who is moving abroad, said: "It is painful living here.

"I don’t think you realise how hard it is staying around Maidstone until you go away on holiday and you find peace – not a painless peace but a different sort of peace."

"We have had 23 years in this house and five children, so it is very, very emotional."

One of the most traumatic aspects of moving was clearing Jade’s room.

"It was absolutely heartbreaking. Obviously, I have kept the special things," she said.

The rest of Jade’s toys have gone to a friend’s little girl who will be able to play with them as Jade did.

"I need a new direction to take away the memories," Mrs Hobbs said. "The pain will never go away but we have to give it a go."

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