A GRIEVING couple whose son was killed in a car crash are to keep his memory alive by helping a sick child.

Football-mad Carl Sutton, from Connah’s Quay, was driving on Sealand Road on February 21 when his car hit a tree.

The 26-year-old from Cheriton Close was pronounced dead at the scene.

Six months on his parents Graham and Myra have raised almost £1,500 in his memory and are choosing just one special youngster to receive it.

The couple spoke to the Leader about their kind gesture, their efforts to cope and life without Carl.

Graham said: “We are really struggling.

“We go to the crematorium in Blacon every day to sit with him. He has a lovely headstone which was imported from India and a bench that we have had stained
and inscribed.

“Sometimes I sit there all day because it’s so peaceful. I will go on my bike first thing in the morning, then come home and have a cup of tea and go back there with Myra.

“Myra is in bits. She has been having counselling to help her to come to terms and it’s doing her the world of good.

“You can tell the difference with each session she goes to.”

The money was raised at a collection at Carl’s funeral and a football match staged by friends at the Connah’s Quay Naval Club.

“It was a smashing day,” added Graham. “At the beginning of the match the players stood in a circle and did a minute of applause. It was a very nice touch.

“But we couldn’t go the evening event because we were too emotional.”

The couple, who have two other sons Colin, 30, and Dale, 33, say it is time that something positive came out of the tragedy.

Myra said: “We have just put the money away but now is the time to spend it.

“We would like to give it to a child with a disability or a terminal illness and would like it to be somebody from Connah’s Quay if possible, because that is where the money was collected and where Carl lived his entire life.

“It is nice to think it would be put back into the community.”

Myra added: “I would like to thank Andrew Hughes for organising the football match and making it a big success.

“Thank you to family and friends and everybody who supported the day.

“Carl is always in our hearts and is loved and thought of every day.”

Carl’s death was the second tragedy to occur on the same stretch of road in just six days.

Danny Evans, 18, of Connah’s Quay died when the car he was travelling in overturned near Yew Tree Farm on February 15.

l If you think your child deserves help from the Sutton family, call 01352 707761 or email lois.hough@nwn.co.uk.