A GRIEVING father has travelled to Porthmadog to mark the 20th anniversary of his son’s death.

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

A memorial stone marks the spot where Andrew died. And last Friday, John made the solemn journey from his home in Rhyl to the site, to remember his only child on the 20th anniversary of his death.

“Susan the florist at Lili Wen had a rose ready and waiting,” John said of the kind-hearted Porthmadog businesswoman who gives John a rose, for free, every year.

“As you can see the rose was gratefully accepted and placed on Andrew’s memorial.

“It’s a shame that nobody else could attend. I’ve spoken to many who were hoping to but couldn’t thanks to Covid, and all have agreed that if things are back to some semblance of normality, we will make next year’s anniversary a special occasion.

The crossing where Andrew died 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.

“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.”