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Today should have been the 29th birthday of Bonnie Yendell, but instead of celebrating, her family will be grieving.
The former Simon Langton Girls’ pupil tragically took her own life on a remote railway level crossing in Graveney, near Faversham, in February last year.
Bonnie's mum speaks to KMTV about rail safety
She was said to be in emotional turmoil over a relationship when she was struck by a train at the rural spot.
It later emerged the same driver had seen Bonnie and her car parked nearby three times that day before she stepped onto the tracks.
As a result, rail firm Southeastern told its drivers to report suspicious activity.
Now, Bonnie’s mum, Brigitte, is urging everyone to be more vigilant at railway crossings and stations in the hope it can prevent other families experiencing such heartache.
Speaking at her home near Canterbury, she said: “Bonnie was at the scene for several hours that morning and I am sure the driver is still suffering as a result of what happened.
“But I think we should all be aware of anyone who might not be acting normally around station platforms and crossings.
“Just a friendly word to them or informing a station official could be enough to distract them and prevent something awful happening.”
Brigitte, 54, is still haunted by the events of February 17 last year and learning of her daughter’s death.
“Being without her is a life sentence,” she said. “You don’t get over it and I’m still traumatised.”
At the time of her death, Bonnie had recently secured a job at a printing firm in Margate, having previously worked for a foods company in Canterbury.
Brigitte says she was a multi-talented and creative young woman who dreamed of being a mum.
“She learned to play the violin and piano when she was young and later studied textiles at Canterbury College,” she said.
“Then she trained as a steward for luxury yachts. She could really turn her hand to anything.”
Brigitte has visited the crossing on many occasions and is likely to go again today.
She plans to place some colourful planters there for the anniversary of the tragedy next month.
“I just want to give the area some life and colour to reflect Bonnie’s artistic creativity,” she said.
“But my main message is for others to look out for each other, not just family and friends, but also strangers you might see in circumstances like Bonnie’s. If it helps to prevent one death and the heartache we are going through, it will be worth it.”
Southeastern spokesman Paul Prentice says train drivers have been rebriefed about looking out for vulnerable people on the railway.
He added: “While we can’t go into specific details there have been occasions in the last year in which our drivers have stopped their trains to check on a person’s welfare - and they will continue to look out for those who are in need.”
For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.
