Olivia Lucas shares her journey of loss and resilience after her police officer mother was tragically killed when she was just eight years old
Swansea: Olivia Lucas was just eight when her world turned upside down. She was out shopping with her mum, a police officer, when tragedy struck. A bus hit her mum, Louise, right in front of her. It was a sunny day in March 2015, and everything changed in an instant.
Louise was a well-respected sergeant with South Wales Police. After the accident, she was rushed to Morriston Hospital but sadly didn’t make it. Olivia only had minor injuries, but the emotional scars ran deep.
At Louise’s funeral, hundreds came to pay their respects. Fellow officers formed a guard of honour, showing just how much she was loved and respected. It was a heartbreaking scene, and Olivia was left to navigate life without her mum.
Fast forward ten years, and Olivia is now an 18-year-old university student at Swansea University. She’s bright and confident, but the journey hasn’t been easy. She’s determined to turn her pain into something positive, just like her mum did while serving the community.
Olivia wants to inspire others who have faced similar losses. She’s recently entered the Miss Wales competition, hoping to use the platform to help young people cope with grief. It’s a big step, but she’s ready to share her story.
Reflecting on her childhood, Olivia admits it was tough. After the accident, she tried to block it all out, which led to some challenges in school. But with support from her family and friends, she found her way back.
Her dad, Gavin, has been her rock through it all. He’s proud of how far she’s come. Olivia knows she couldn’t have done it without her family, especially her brothers, who have been there every step of the way.
Now, she’s focused on helping others. Olivia is set to give a talk to a charity that supports families dealing with loss. She wants to show that it’s okay to seek help and that there’s a way through the pain.
Olivia’s journey is a testament to resilience. She’s learned that while the past can be painful, it doesn’t define her future. She hopes to be a role model for others, proving that it’s possible to find happiness again.
With her heart set on empowering young women, Olivia is ready to take on the Miss Wales competition. She believes in the power of support and wants to inspire others to believe in themselves, no matter what they’ve been through.