EACH time the sun comes out and she sees children out playing, Vicky Waugh is filled with panic.
It's been two years since the 34-year-old lost her only child, Kalen and the pain still remains.
The 16-year-old got into difficulty after entering the water at Salford Quays to cool off during a heatwave in 2022. His devastated mother had to wait overnight before his body was recovered and his death was confirmed.
She has been unable to go near water ever since and was too distressed to take balloons to the spot where he died on his birthday.
"Kalen was my only son, I was a single mum and so we were inseparable. We did everything together," said Vicky, who was just 15 when she fell pregnant with Kalen and was supported by her mum, Dawn and nanna Sandra.
"My recurring worry was how he'd cope if anything ever happened to me. Not for a moment did I think he would die first.
"He wasn't even planning to swim that day, but he was a strong swimmer and a fit, young lad. If it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone."
She added: "Two years on, my life is a blur. I miss him so much and I have not been able to enter his bedroom. It is just as he left it."
This story is from the August 03, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 03, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ref chiefs taking Coote allegations 'seriously'
A VIDEO appearing to show suspended Premier League referee David Coote snorting white powder is being taken 'very seriously' by the referees' body.
Heskey be next could starlet to make grade
COLE Palmer was sold for £42m and has 52 goals or assists in 58 games since leaving City. And a goal in the European Championship final.
Impressive England too slick for Greece
ENGLAND are on course for promotion back to the Nations League top tier after debutant Curtis Jones' fantastic flick completed an impressive 3-0 victory in Greece as Thomas Tuchel watched from afar.
Coach Borthwick 'under pressure'
RASSIE Erasmus insists Steve Borthwick is a coach under pressure as South Africa look to inflict further misery on England at Allianz Stadium.
Government to ban coal mining projects
NEW coal mining schemes will be banned in the UK, the Government has said.
Former PM Sunak returns as backbencher
FORMER prime minister Rishi Sunak has returned to the Commons as a backbencher.
Starmer hails arrest of small boat suspect
SIR Keir Starmer has said the arrest of a 44-year-old Turkish man suspected of being a supplier of small boats was a \"significant piece of the jigsaw\" in tackling Channel migrant crossings but \"I'm not pretending it's the silver bullet\".
Charles marks birthday with food hub visit
THE King has celebrated his 76th birthday by visiting a food distribution hub as part of his drive to support charities feeding the nation.
Republicans gain control of House to secure power
THE Republican Party has won enough seats to control the US House, completing the party's sweep into power and securing their hold on the American government alongside president-elect Donald Trump.
My beautiful light in the dark
Joy of mother told she had aggressive cancer while pregnant
