'Devastated' daughter of cyclist who died in shocking hit-and-run crash backs life-saving campaign

The daughter of a Hartlepool cyclists who died when he was knocked from his bike in a hit-and-run has urged people to take caution on the roads.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 17th Nov 2020, 11:58 BST
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Laura Waistell lost her “loving and kind-hearted” dad Michael Waistell, 58, in July this year after he was killed as he rode to work on Mowbray Road in the town.

She has spoken of the “absolute devastation” that she and her family have endured since as she backs Brake Road Safety Week, which runs until Sunday, November 22, and is being supported by Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit.

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Since lockdown ended in June, 17 people have been killed on roads across the police force areas of Cleveland and County Durham, with 11 of those cyclists or motorcyclists.

Laura Waistell, pictured with her late dad Michael and mum patricia, has given her support to Brake Road Safety Week and Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit as it campaigns for people to take caution to protect cyclists and motorbikers on the roads.Laura Waistell, pictured with her late dad Michael and mum patricia, has given her support to Brake Road Safety Week and Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit as it campaigns for people to take caution to protect cyclists and motorbikers on the roads.
Laura Waistell, pictured with her late dad Michael and mum patricia, has given her support to Brake Road Safety Week and Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit as it campaigns for people to take caution to protect cyclists and motorbikers on the roads.

Fabricator and Hartlepool United fan Michael, a carer for his wife of 36 years Patricia, had been due to become a grandad when he died.

Laura said: “My mum sits at night and asks me how we are going to live without him?

"I really don’t have the answers that will give her much comfort…She tells me that the only thing that got her through the long days was my dad coming through the front door after he’d finished work.

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“We, as a family, will never get over what has happened to my dad.

Police and forensic team on Mowbray Road, Hartlepool, following the collision which claimed the life of Michael Waistell.Police and forensic team on Mowbray Road, Hartlepool, following the collision which claimed the life of Michael Waistell.
Police and forensic team on Mowbray Road, Hartlepool, following the collision which claimed the life of Michael Waistell.
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"The last time I saw dad he gave me a big cuddle.

"I wish I never took his hugs for granted, and if I’d known it would be the last one I would have held on tighter and never let him go.”

William Lee Stallard, 35, from Hartlepool was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and perverting the course of justice and sentenced to eight years in jail.

Michael and Patricia Waistell had been married for 36 years when he died in a collision.Michael and Patricia Waistell had been married for 36 years when he died in a collision.
Michael and Patricia Waistell had been married for 36 years when he died in a collision.

Inspector Jamie Bell said: "Everyone has the same right to use the road safely and everyone needs to be accountable for their actions and so we’re launching a road code for everyone to remember; which is: readiness and observation avoids danger (ROAD).

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“Laura Waistell has kindly joined our campaign to help us highlight the devastating impact that road related deaths can have on families.

"The ripple effect on them is immeasurable.

“I’d like to thank Laura for joining our campaign and helping us get our message across to all road users.”

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