Revd Jan Gould lighting a candle at the Church of the Resurrection
The first anniversary of a hit-and-run tragedy in a Cardiff suburb, will be marked by a special service in the parish church this weekend.
A young mother, Karina Menzies, died and 11 others were hurt at five locations in Ely, Cardiff, when a van rampaged through the area on October 19 last year. The driver, Matthew Tvrdon, has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.
The service will be held at the church which became a focus for the community in the aftermath of the tragedy, the Church of the Resurrection, Grand Ave, Ely. People gathered there to light candles, say prayers and share their grief at the time and then to mourn the death of Ms Menzies at her funeral.
Revd Jan Gould, priest-in-charge, said the service this weekend would be a chance for people to come together to reflect and support those still affected.
She said, “The tragedy devastated our community last year and I think it’s important that we mark this first anniversary. Some of the victims were in hospital last year and so were unable to attend the service we had on the weekend it all happened. They have said they would like an opportunity to attend something in church as a way of helping them to ‘move on’.
“I hope this service will give the community the opportunity to come together again and show their support for those who lives were completely turned upside down a year ago in that dreadful incident.
“It will be a simple service which will reflect on what happened and then look to the future. During the service there will be an opportunity for those who wish to light a candle – a simple gesture, when words fail us, which is a symbol of prayer and solidarity for those who were victims last year, many of whom are still having hospital treatment for their injuries.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the service which will take place at the Church of the Resurrection, Ely, on Saturday, October 19, at 3pm.
