A MEMORIAL to tragic teenager Adam O’Toole has been returned to its rightful place.
As reported in the Examiner on Saturday, a skimmia plant was taken from Lockwood Park rugby ground last week.
The colourful shrub had been installed next to a bench engraved with Adam’s name after the 18-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run incident in 2007.
Its disappearance, just days before a memorial match was due to take place at the ground in Adam’s honour, left his mother, Beverley, and girlfriend, Laura Davidson, devastated.
But it has now been returned after being discovered discarded under Lockwood viaduct.
Beverley, 50, said: “Whether someone moved it as a prank or stole it and then returned it because they felt bad, the main thing is that it’s back.
“It hasn’t been damaged and I’m just glad to have it back.”
Laura, 21, added: “Adam’s back! I’m really happy.
“I think whoever took it felt bad, but didn’t want to be seen so left it under the viaduct and didn’t put it back next to the bench.”
Adam, from Woodhead Road in Holmbridge, was killed when he was hit by a car on New Hey Road in Salendine Nook on March 6, 2007.
A 24-year-old from Oldham is currently on bail after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Adam played rugby for Huddersfield RUFC and Beverley wanted a memorial for him at the team’s ground, which she described as his home from home.
She will be at Lockwood Park on Wednesday night to present prizes to the winners of a memorial match between a RUFC academy side and Huddersfield University.
“I really wanted it back in time for the game,” she said.
“Adam’s bench doesn’t look the same without it. Now I have to decide if I feel okay to leave it there or move it.”
