DVD Launched In Tribute To Train Death Victim

An educational DVD highlighting the dangers of trespassing on railways has been launched at a Kent school today.

Titled 'Jade's Story', the DVD is a tribute to Jade Kenyon, a 17-year-old schoolgirl from Snodland who died on the Medway railway line after taking a short cut home after missing the last train.

The DVD release, which is coinciding with Jade's second anniversary, is being supported by Jade's family.

Jade's mother Rachel Farrington, from Snodland, said: "It is too late for us. However, you don't want other people to go through what you've gone through."

The inside cover of the DVD - made by Track-Off, a national safety campaign - features a message from Jade's grandfather warning of the dangers of electricity on the railway.

"The rail that took Jade's life is live 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A lot of people think it's only live while the train passes over it, believe me it's not. It's live all the time and it will kill you," the message reads.

The DVD which has been almost two years in the making, features interviews with Miss Farrington, 38, and Jade's father, Solly Kenyon, 40.

British Transport Police School's Liaison Officer PC Graham Cottington said it "was important for other youngsters to hear Jade's story".

"If this DVD results in one other young person hearing the railway safety message, then that's one less time that officers like me will have to grace the doorstep of loving families like the Kenyons.

"What happened to Jade two years ago was an absolute tragedy and has left her friends and family devastated. The saddest aspect of the story is that her death was completely preventable.

"Now it is our aim by showing this DVD to other school children that they not make the same fatal mistake," he said.

After today's launch it will be available for schools to order online.

(DS)