A FILM telling the story of a teenager tragically killed in a road traffic collision was shown at a special event in Denbighshire.

'Olivia's Story' was shown at the Old Courthouse in Ruthin on Tuesday, July 12, and shared a powerful road safety message.

The film is a tale of positive change borne of tragic loss and tells the story of 17-year-old Olivia Alkir, who was killed on the B5105 in June 2019 following a collision caused by two young drivers racing against one another.

Organised by Vice-Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel Pat Astbury, the screening also enabled Olivia’s visiting relatives from Turkey to play their part in spreading the message of road safety.

Read more: How art by Efnechtyd teenager killed in crash could be turned into stained glass window

Olivia was travelling in a Ford Fiesta with two other girls when the driver lost control on a bend at 72mph and hit an oncoming car head-on.

Olivia, who was sitting in the back seat, received massive internal injuries at impact and tragically died at the scene. Two of her friends also suffered life changing injuries.

Olivia’s mum and dad, Jo and Mesut Alkir, were present in the audience, alongside the Alkirs’ relatives; local residents; the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin and more. 

The showing was also an opportunity to emphasise Mr and Mrs Alkirs’ call for a black box to be fitted to every young person’s car, to monitor driving and try and prevent further such tragedies.

At the event, a number of questions were asked by members of the public present, including how roads are being made safer in the Ruthin area.

Denbighshire Free Press:

PIC: People gathered to watch the 'Olivia's Story' film in Ruthin.

Working with Olivia’s parents, family and friends, the film and supporting school lessons were premiered at the end of March 2022.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “Road safety is a hugely important issue for all of us in public service and I am determined that North Wales should have some of the safest roads in the UK.

“Unsafe driving should not be tolerated. That is why I have made improving road safety a key part of my Police and Crime Plan as Police and Crime Commissioner.

"No-one who has come into contact with Olivia’s Story and the message behind it can fail to have been moved by the dedication of Olivia’s parents, Mesut and Jo, and their family, to keeping her memory alive and to making sure that no other family experiences the pain that they have felt since Olivia’s tragic death. I would like to pay tribute to them, their courage, and their determination to see change happen.”

Denbighshire Free Press:

PIC: 'Olivia's Story' is a film dedicated to Olivia Alkir.

Stuart Millington, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “North Wales Fire and Rescue Service fully endorses the requirement for black boxes to be fitted in all young drivers’ vehicles. The film is both poignant and powerful and if it is effective in changing the behaviours of young drivers, we will have Olivia and her legacy to thank.”