EXCLUSIVE

by Mary Louis

Grieving Joan Youens can't help but smile when she remembers the life she shared with her "perfect man".

She and partner Mick Geoghegan, 78, enjoyed travelling around the world together, bowls and socialising.

Those memories and holiday snaps - like this one taken on holiday in 2009 - are precious to Mrs Youens after Mr Geoghegan died.

He stepped out in front of a lorry while trying to rush over a pedestrian crossing outside the Roko gym on the A2 Watling Street, Gillingham, on a flashing amber light.

By a cruel twist, Mr Geoghegan died on the same date as Mrs Youens' husband Ernest, 13 years ago.

But in an incredibly moving gesture, Mrs Youens shook hands and hugged lorry driver Lee Double when she met him at the inquest.

In an exclusive interview with the Medway Messenger, Mrs Youens said: "Being the kind and generous man Mick was, this would be what he would wish."

For the full interview, see Monday's Medway Messenger.