Sponsored by
Walk in memory of tragic Michael
Heartbroken family and friends of a teenager killed in a scooter accident have organised a memorial walk to complete the journey home he never finished.
Michael Teasdale, was riding his scooter along Houghton Road when he is believed to have lost control and hit a telegraph pole.
The 17-year-old sustained massive internal injuries and was kept alive at the roadside for 20 minutes until an ambulance came, but died shortly after arriving at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
His aunt Shirley Wind and his close friends have decided to do a sponsored walk along the route Michael was taking, from Springboard in Hetton, to his home in Hunter Street, Shiney Row.
The 37-year-old, who lived in the same street as her nephew and was extremely close to him, said: "No one got a chance to say goodbye to him. It's been very hard.
"His death has devastated everybody, the whole estate is in shock. And his mam and dad feel terrible.
"His friends wanted to help out and do something for him. They didn't just want to give flowers, they wanted to help his mam with the cost of the funeral because they know that Michael would have done it for them.
"We are doing the walk on Wednesday at 6pm. Because Michael didn't make it home we are going to finish his journey for him."
Police are still investigating the accident, which took place on the A182 at approximately 9.25am on Thursday, and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
It is unclear at this stage why Michael crashed, or whether there was another vehicle involved.
The family of the young mechanic, who worked at Fence Houses garage, has also urged anyone with information to contact police.
"We went up to the crash site last night to leave some flowers and we just couldn't work out what happened," said Shirley.
"It is such a straight piece of road and Michael was a good rider, always in control of his bike.
"The bike was shattered into pieces with the impact and his helmet was as well.
"It is eating everybody away. The family really want to know what happened."
Anyone with information should call 03456 043 043 extension 66747, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To contribute towards the sponsored walk call 385 4383.
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: West
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
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