Paisley mum becomes 'guardian angel' for vulnerable babies after hit and run death

Elizabeth Kennedy
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A kind Paisley mum who was killed moments after leaving her home in a hit-and-run on Hogmanay has become a 'guardian angel' for vulnerable tots from beyond the grave.

Elizabeth Kennedy died after she was hit by a car on Barrhead Road, just east of the junction with Ladykirk Crescent at around 7pm on December 31.

Daughter Julie Kennedy says the former nurse had just come out of her flat to go to the shop over the road when she was hit at the pedestrian crossing.

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Speaking about the impact the death has had on the family, the 48-year-old told Glasgow Live: "We have all been totally devastated by mum's death. It's not something you expect to be told on Hogmanay.

"We've been totally lost for words. It has had a huge impact on us. Mum meant everything. I spoke to her everyday and she'd come to my house to look after my dog twice a week. She wasn't just my mum she was my best friend.

"She was a phenomenal mum. It's hard to put into words what she meant.

"She was very caring and empathetic woman."

Police say an 18-year-old man has been arrested following the incident and was released pending further enquiries.

Julie has since set up a GoFundMe to raise money for cuddle cots for vulnerable babies - a cause that was close to the former nurse's heart.

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She added: "My mother was a really kind woman. She knitted for premature babies over the years after my brother was born prematurely.

"She also gave to so many charities. People asked If they could give anything for the funeral or if there was a charity they could donate to in her honour.

"It wasn't until we were going through her house and I was showing my brother the shawls and hats for the premature kids and the angel robes she had been making for stillborn babies that the idea hit me. I knew I wanted to raise money for the cuddle cots.

"A lot of people don't know about them, and I know it was something close to my mum's heart.

"It feels like such a fitting memorial. She was always the first person to help anyone who needed it."

The fundraiser has so far raised over £1200 ahead of Elizabeth's funeral this weekend. It reads: "A Cuddle cot is a small, portable, lightweight unit that enables families experiencing the loss of their baby at any age or gestation to spend more time with their baby to create precious memories.

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"Our Mum was a very loving, generous and selfless caring nurse for many years and had an overwhelming desire to help others. We have decided to create this fundraiser as we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from everyone and especially to the wider community who came together when we needed them the most."

Julie added: "The response has been great. In less than 24 hours, there was a grand."

Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.

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