Touching tribute to tragic Jaidyn Rice: Memorial planned for Bangor 16-year-old, honouring her contribution to the community

The Co Down seaside city was rocked by Jaidyn’s death last summer, who was taken from her devoted family and loving friends when she was hit by a car while she was walking near her home.

Aged just 16, she was an army cadet who was very involved in youth and community work, had recently started in her first job and was widely looked on as a great future leader in the voluntary sector.

Last July’s tragedy plunged Bangor into mourning – and now its local council wants to set up a memorial bench honouring her contribution to the community in the Clandeboye part of the city.

Officials from Ards and North Down Council will be asked to work with the Rice family to create “a place of reflection, connection and outreach” in Jaidyn’s memory.

The idea is to go before a council meeting this week, where it’s expected to pass.

It’s being jointly brought by the UUP and Alliance, with Ulster Unionist councillor Pete Wray stating the bench idea hits close to home for him.

“As manager of [community group] Northern Ireland Alternatives, I knew Jaidyn as a young woman who used our youth provision,” he told the News Letter. “The idea of this bench is personal to me.

“As soon as the family made it clear this is what they wanted, I felt it was important that I do everything I can to make it happen.

“Jaidyn had such an impact not only on her family and the wider community but lots of different youth groups. I think something like this will not only help her family but will help the young people who are grieving.

“It is in recognition of Jaidyn, of what she achieved within her tragically short life. It is somewhere where people can sit and reflect but also somewhere where they can get help.”

The bench, he added, will also signpost the council’s ‘Here to Help’ app, which provides details of support services for issues including victims of domestic abuse and substance abuse, as well as counselling services.

Jaidyn died at the scene of the crash on July 8, her home town plunged into shock as news that a vibrant and much-loved teenager with a promising future was gone.

She was renowned as an inspirational figure at DICE Project, a youth futures scheme that works with kids from several housing estates around Bangor.

At the time, manager Louise Little told the News Letter that Jaidyn stood out as a great future community leader.

“Full of hope, potential, wisdom and joy, she w as a beautiful young person, inside and out,” said Ms Little.

“Sixteen years, it’s not long enough. For Jaidyn to have achieved all that she did is testament to her character.”

The alleged driver in the fatal incident, a 30-year-old man from Co Down, is currently on bail charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while driving without a licence, and causing death while driving without insurance. The case is still awaiting a full trial.