A GRIEVING father will travel to Porthmadog next week to mark the 20th anniversary of his son’s death.

Andrew Deakin died on 23 October, 2000, when his car was hit by a train at Traeth Mawr level crossing. He was 24 years old.

A memorial stone marks the spot where Andrew died. Next Friday his father John will make the solemn journey from his home in Rhyl to remember his only child.

“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years,” the 73-year-old said.

“I think about Andrew every day. I don’t know how I’ve survived this long without him.”

John visits the site every year to place a single red rose in memory of his son, thanks to a kind-hearted florist.

“Lili Wen opened in Porthmadog just before the accident, and every year since then the florist has given me a rose for Andrew,” John told the Cambrian News.

“Sue refuses to take payment for it, and every anniversary it’s there waiting for me.”

Andrew’s friends have kept in contact with John, often joining him to mark the anniversary of Andrew’s death.

The coronavirus could affect this year’s gathering, but John welcomes anyone who would like to remember Andrew to a socially distanced gathering at the site at 10am on 23 October.

The crossing is on the road leading to Porthmadog FC’s ground and Clwb Chwaraeon Porthmadog where Andrew worked as a sports coach.

John campaigned for years for a barrier to be installed on the level crossing, and was eventually successful.­

“The only reason Andrew died there is because there wasn’t a barrier,” said John.

Recalling the tragic event, he said.

“Andrew worked as a sports coach with Football in the Community.

“He had just left the ground and was on his way back to the office in town when the train hit his car.

“Until you’re on the crossing you can’t see an oncoming train. He didn’t stand a chance.”