Mum helps young motorcyclists after son's death

A mother whose teenage son died in a motorcycle crash has said she hopes her support for a police road safety course will save other families from her "nightmare".

Emma Wilding's son Taylor Connors, 19, collided with a van on the A30 near Leckford, Hampshire, in June 2025.

Wilding, from Andover, met young riders at the latest SmartRide course held in Eastleigh on Saturday.

She said that while Taylor was described by a crash witness as a "conscientious and careful" rider, the course taught skills that could have saved his life.

Liam Field, who attended the session, said going out with his friends on bikes "gets a bit worrying sometimes".

An expert police motorcyclist took him on a training ride, later commenting: "If that was a slightly wider vehicle, you'd have got squashed against the wall."

Another young attendee, George Hunter, said he was doing the course after his mum signed him up "for driving like an idiot".

Acting Insp Tom Waller, from Hampshire Police, said the number of collisions involving serious injuries or deaths was increasing.

He said the object of the day was "to prevent families going through that tragedy".

During the session, Wilding spoke movingly about her son's death.

"Someone on the scene had picked up his phone and called me to say that he'd been hit and her mother was doing CPR," she told the class.

She added she was working in his memory to continue his "legacy of kindness".

"Taylor was endlessly kind to anyone. I think that's something that anyone should try and do.

"Be kind, be considerate when you're out riding. Think about yourself but think about other people as well."