Mostyn community devastated over death of Sadie

Jul 26 2012 by Eleanor Barlow, Flintshire Chronicle

A CLOSE-KNIT community has been left devastated after a six-year-old girl was killed in a crash which left seven people injured.

Sadie Anne Jayne McGrady, from Rhewl, Mostyn, died in the collision between a Vauxhall Corsa and a Ford Focus on the A548 Coast Road in Gwespyr at midday on Sunday.

There were seven other casualties, including four other children – some were airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Julie Davies, assistant headteacher at Ysgol Bryn Pennant in Mostyn and Sadie’s class teacher, paid tribute to her.

She said: “Sadie was a bright and confident child with her whole life ahead of her.

“She was well loved by pupils and staff and would greet everyone she met with a beautiful smile and a friendly comment.

“She was kind, thoughtful, sensitive and wise beyond her years. For her to be so cruelly snatched at such a young age is absolutely devastating.

“Our hearts ache for her poor parents and family, whose lives will have changed forever.”

She added: “This has had a tremendous effect on the whole community.

“Rest in peace darling Sadie, you will be sorely missed and forever in our thoughts.”

Residents in Mostyn have started a collection for parents John Paul McGrady and Kate Barlow, whose other daughter is believed to be being treated at Alder Hey.

Sarah Clarke, from the Glan y Don Cafe Bar in Mostyn, said they had been collecting donations for the family since Monday.

She said: “It has been a massive shock to everyone. It’s devastating.

“The community has really rallied round to help them. That’s what people are like round here. We just want to do whatever we can to help.

“Lots of people have been donating, not just people who live here but holidaymakers as well.”

Pennant Stores have also set up a collection.

A spokeswoman for the store said: “The whole village is in total and utter shock.

“People are coming in here just to donate to the fund, not to buy anything. It’s not just spare change they’re putting in – it’s notes.”

She added: “They are such a lovely family and what’s happened is just awful. It is a close-knit community here and everyone knew her.”