Family mark mum-of-two's birthday after fatal hit and run

Rhiannon Hall, from Cheam, died last year after a devastating hit and run which left her in critical condition for six days.

Rhiannon was enjoying a 'rare night out' when she was hit by a car on London Road, near the junction with Garth Road on October 16.

Despite the air ambulance team, paramedics and ICU team's best efforts, her machines were turned off on October 22.

At the time, police reported that the driver failed to stop at the scene but was arrested a short time later on suspicion of drink driving. It was also confirmed that he was released under investigation.

MORE: Police appeal after mum-of-two killed in 'horrific' hit and run crash

Rhiannon's aunty Jodie Hall said: "Rhiannon’s birthday was on Thursday 4th March it was extremely hard for the whole family but especially my sister Carly Rhiannon’s mum.

"Since her passing it has been extremely difficult watching her partner and the babies who are on only 1 and 3 carry on without her, my sister is in a living nightmare, we all are so devastated still.

"Rhiannon would usually celebrate her birthday with a big family get together, we’d order a takeaway and have some drinks and laugh together, we’re a very close family.

"This year was very different we still sang happy birthday and we let off balloons and ate cake, her friends organised a lovely lantern release at Epsom downs."

Jodie went onto say that as lovely as it was to mark Rhiannon's 22nd birthday, it was the "saddest birthday ever."

"It’s painful enough remembering but it’s all the things she’s missing too, the birthdays, the baby’s birthdays, Mother’s Day, the future with her family," said Jodie.

"All because one person decided to get in his car after drinking way too much! And will likely not get any time for this horrific act.

"It is clear to see, since Rhiannon passed, she was loved by so many she truly was such a lovely girl.

I find it really difficult to write about her in the past tense as I feel her and see her every day in her babies."

To mark Rhiannon's birthday, Jodie has arranged a sponsored walk, to raise awareness about drink driving while fundraising for London's Air Ambulance.

"We are waiting until the covid rules relax a bit and we can be in groups of six outside," said Jodie.

"The walk will start at Wimbledon station as she was a Ricards girl.

"We will then walk-through Wimbledon Chase where we’ve had our family home and then walk through Joseph Hood park where she played football then right up to the crematorium."

Speaking on the importance of raising awareness about drink driving, Rhiannon's auntie said: "Boris may be relaxing the rules and we all want to socialise and have fun but please if you have a drink even if it’s one or two please walk or get a cab home.

"Rhiannon’s life was taken so prematurely, one heart stopped that day in October, but many hearts were broken!

The man who did this is still walking the streets, still driving around, still with his family!

"All because he was rushing home after the 10pm curfew that Boris imposed.

"Please stop and think, if you going to drink, don't drive!"

Money raised will be donated to the London Ambulance Service, who assisted Rhiannon after the hit and run.

Donations reached £1,471 at the time of publishing.

To donate visit here.