A grieving mother is preparing to mark the first anniversary of her son’s tragic death – by launching an internet meeting place fo in his name to help teenagers.
Connor Shields was killed last summer when he was knocked from his bike as he cycled home to Ellon after a day out in Collieston with friends.
The 14-year-old was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following the accident on the A975 Newburgh to Cruden Bay road, but could not be saved.
His family, parents Janet and Kenneth and sister Rebecca, were so touched by the messages that flooded in that they began searching for a way to reflect the Ellon Academy pupil’s positive outlook on life.
Now his mother is preparing to launch an online blog – Connor’s Crew – tomorrow, on the anniversary of his death, to create a lasting tribute to him.
Mrs Shields, of Craigpark Place, Ellon, said: “I want my son to be remembered. He was really into computers, he had a music blog for school so I thought it would be nice to do this blog.
“I went onto the internet to look at teenage blogs, but they were all for girls about make-up, or boys being journalists, writing about trips to London and things.
“I wanted something more to help teenagers, as Connor loved to help his friends.”
Mrs Shields eventually contacted Ellon Academy for help, and Connor’s former guidance teacher Jan Sinclair put her in touch with two sixth year pupils who shared their expertise.
The site contains art, photography, writing, music and gaming sections, as well as a problems section where teenagers can share any issues they have.
It will be moderated by Mrs Shields and three family friends, and youngsters can choose whether to post anonymously or under their name – although they must provide their age.
The name of the site was inspired by Connor’s friends, who entertained a football tournament in Bridge of Don and called their team Connor’s Crew.
“I thought that was a wonderful name for the blog,” Mrs Shields said. “It means whoever is involved with it is part of his crew, which he would have liked since he always helped other people. They are part of a group, they’re not alone. It’s a wonderful memorial to my son.”
Mrs Shields hopes to set up a memorial fund in Connor’s name, and hopes the blog will help her to promote it and attract a high-profile patron. Visit www.connorscrew.com.