Son of M53 Crash Victim Seeks to Keep His Father’s Memory Alive
Mark Hayes’ son is reaching out for stories about his dad, who was tragically impaled in a crash over 30 years ago
Ellesmere Port, UK, Mark Hayes, M53 Crash, Family History
Emergency services arrived quickly, but it took an hour to rescue him from the wreckage. He underwent a grueling seven-hour surgery to treat severe injuries. The driver of the HGV was found guilty of reckless driving and served time in jail.
Mark survived against all odds and later shared his story. He recalled waking up in the cab, realizing he had been in a crash, and seeing the stakes sticking out of his stomach. It was a terrifying moment, and he went into shock.
At the time, his daughter Ashleigh was just a newborn, and his wife, Sue, was anxiously waiting for him at home. Mark had a surreal experience, feeling like he was walking away from the accident scene. He worried about his family and how they would cope.
Doctors initially thought he wouldn’t have more children due to his injuries, but he and Sue welcomed their son Michael later on. Mark even asked the paramedic who saved him to be Michael’s godfather, and they remained friends.
Sadly, Mark passed away from cancer in 2004. Michael cherishes the memories of his dad, calling those years some of the happiest of his life. Now, he’s on a mission to gather stories about Mark to share with his own son.
Michael posted in a local Facebook group, hoping to connect with people who knew his dad. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 comments pouring in. He was amazed by the outpouring of love and memories.
Living in North Wales now, Michael is passionate about family history. He wants to learn more about his dad’s life before he became a father. He remembers the packed church at Mark’s funeral and wishes to reconnect with those who knew him.
If anyone has stories or memories to share, they can reach out through the Facebook group Pride in the Port. Michael is eager to keep his father’s legacy alive for future generations.