Young woman injured in fatal A55 crash doing well in her recovery

Oct 29 2009 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

A YOUNG woman is on the path to recovery after being critically injured in a horrific accident which claimed the life of a friend.

Jemma Hender, from West Shore, Llandudno, received life threatening injuries in the accident in the early hours of last Thursday on the A55 at the entrance to the Conwy Tunnel, and Frankie Clark, 23, from the resort was killed.

A third passenger in the vehicle driven by Mr Clark, Wayne King, received non-life threatening injuries and has since been released from hospital.

Jemma Hender, in her 20s, is now conscious and was said to be “doing well” in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd yesterday (Wednesday).

The car in which the friends were travelling was in collision with a lorry. The accident shut the A55 for nine hours, causing massive tailbacks.

The lorry driver, working for Middlesex-based Holmes air and general freight hauliers, was treated for minor injuries and shock.

The Clark and Hender families are too upset to comment. It is the second time in less than a year that the Clark family has been hit by tragedy. Ten-year-old Chloe Clark, believed to be Frankie’s niece, died when her parent’s car was hit from behind by a lorry on the A55 in February.

Llandudno councillor Ronnie Hughes who knows both families well said the community was stunned by what had happened but would rally around to support the families of Frankie and Jemma.

“We do have a strong community spirit in Llandudno and I know the community will join together to give the families tremendous support. My heart goes out to them, particularly the Clark family it is difficult to imagine how they will cope,” he said.

Emotional tributes to former Ysgol John Bright pupil Frankie have poured in, with more than 700 people joining a memorial group set up on Facebook.

One messenger Jess Hughes wrote: “This world is so cruel and wrong. To take away a star like u is like taking away the light from the sky.

“There is a well known saying ‘only the good die young’ well no truer words have ever been spoken. May your family find peace in the knowledge that you are now with Chloe making her feel safe and happy. There are only happy memories with you xxxxx.”

Another friend Steven Knowles wrote: “RIP Frankie mate, I only seen you last night smiling, like you always do, keep smiling and look after our little angel Chloe. You will never be forgotten.”

The funeral of Frankie Clark is tomorrow (Friday) at 12pm at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Lloyd Street, Llandudno, with mourners encouraged to wear colourful dress. There will be family flowers only.

judith.phillips