Roads tragedy mum laid to rest

Mother-of-two Rachael Bond was laid to rest on Sunday.

Mrs Bond died after a road traffic collision on the Lislagan Road shortly after 8pm last Wednesday.

It is believed she was walking her beloved dog when the incident occurred.

Mrs Bond was well-known in the tight-knit community in Lislagan and was frequently spotted out walking her dog along roads in the area.

The 56-year-old would frequently wave at drivers passing along the narrow country road, or stop and enjoy a kind-hearted chat, neighbours said.

It is believed the Bond family had previously lived in the Balnamore area of Ballymoney and moved to Lislagan in recent years.

DUP councillor Jason Atkinson knew Mrs Bond personally and was a neighbour of the popular woman who lived in Torrens Park.

“They are a close, quiet family,” he said.

“Rachael was a very nice woman.

“You always would have seen her walking her dog.

“She had a lovely way with people, she often offered a warm conversation to all those she met. She would of been very family-orientated and doted over children.”

Mr Atkinson continued: “The people of Lislagan have many fond memories of Rachael and are remembering her family in their bereavement.

“Rachael will be very sadly missed, the entire community will deeply miss her.”

Residents of the area said Mrs Bond’s husband William and their children Kim and Robin were understandably distraught at their loss. Rachael’s father George Glenn was flying home from a working visit to Montreal when the awful news broke. On his way home, Mr Glenn wrote on his Facebook page:

“Sad day at London Heathrow, heading home to a terrible situation. Must keep a cool head.” Heartfelt comments from family and friends were written under his status such as: “Condolences George - you are all in my prayers. Take care.”

Another wrote: “Sorry to hear your sad loss George - thinking of you.”

DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said his thoughts are with the victim’s family.

“It’s very sad that this lady has lost her life and for everybody involved, I think it’s just a tragedy,” he said

Ballymoney Mayor Ian Stevenson said: “This was a tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Bond’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Mr Atkinson said he had called for street lights to be installed in Lislagan a year ago but was told the area did not match the criteria.

He said the Lislagan Road is often used by pedestrians and can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the evenings.

Mrs Bond was a member of St. Paul’s Church in Loughan near Coleraine. The minister of the church, Rev Amanda Adams, spoke highly of Mrs Bond. She said: “She was a loving and caring mother, and it was evident that her family were the centre of Rachael’s whole world.”

Mrs Bond was laid to rest in Ballmoney Cemetery on Sunday following a private service.

Police in Ballymoney are appealing to anyone who may of been in the area of Lislagan between 8pm and 8.30pm, or may have any information regarding the incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

A police spokesman added: “On behalf of the police we would like to express sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs Bond.”

Roads tragedy

victim laid to rest