Mum of 13-year-old boy killed in hit-and-run urges parents to 'go home and hug your children'
The mother of a teenage boy who was killed when he was hit by a car as he crossed the road at the weekend has urged fellow parents to “go home and hug your children”.
Max Simmons was hit by a Red Audi TT on Switchback Road North in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Saturday afternoon.
The driver, 34-year-old James Lavine, of nearby Woodburn Green, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and was due to appear at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
In a statement released through police, Max’s mother – who has not been named – said: “From one parent to all you parents out there, go home and hug your children.”
She went on: “Just be there with them, hug them, tell them how much you love them, because Christmas presents are just stuff, love is free. Just love each other.”
In the statement, Max’s mother thanked people for their kind messages about her son, who is survived by one brother.
“It means a lot to know how much other people loved him. I always taught my kids to be street smart but brave and independent.”
She added: “Whilst I have the chance I’d like to thank all the doctors and nurses and staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital – it’s people like them that keep the NHS alive, and they worked as hard as they could to save my boy. Thank you all.”