Family left 'destroyed' by wrong way A1 crash

A HEARTBROKEN father and husband said his life had been "destroyed" after his wife and daughter were killed when a car headed the wrong way up the A1 and smashed into their vehicle.

Ian Richardson, 37, and his three-month-old baby Ava survived the horrific collision which happened at about 9.30pm on Sunday near Gosforth, Newcastle as the family headed home from a wedding.

He chose to donate the organs of his beloved six-year-old daughter Mya, and he paid tribute to her and his wife Joanne, 40, calling them his "two wonderful girls".

Mya had just been chief bridesmaid at her uncle Simon's wedding in Dundee and Mr Richardson was driving the family home to Billingham, Teesside, when the devastating crash happened.

Mrs Richardson died at the scene and Mya, who suffered head injuries, died the next day in hospital.

Mr Richardson, who suffered minor injuries and is still recovering in hospital, said: "My life has been destroyed and my girls have been taken from me before their time.

"The only light I have now is my baby Ava. She gives me the focus to carry on and begin again."

He added: "Mya was a great kid, so full of life and spirit."

Mr Richardson described his wife, who worked for Currys Digital in Middlesbrough, as a devoted mother and the backbone of the family: "She put the girls first in everything and always supported me."

Ava is recovering in hospital from minor injuries despite being showered in glass.

A 61-year-old man from Blyth, Northumberland, who is suspected of driving north on the southbound carriageway was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was bailed until October.