Abergavenny woman's pregnancy after boyfriend dies in Gwent crash

Hannah Probert, now 22 and from Abergavenny, and Bradley Lukins, 21, had been trying for a baby and were desperate to become parents.

But he died tragically when he was a passenger in a car - with the driver high on cannabis.

She said: "Bradley and I were inseparable from the moment we got together. He was a wonderful person. We had been trying for a baby and couldn't wait to become parents. We had so many wonderful plans for our future.

Hannah Probert and son Archie-John. Picture: Wales News Service

"I really don't know how I got through those first days after his death. They are all a bit of a blur.

"But I remember two days after he died I took a pregnancy test and when the lines got darker I realised I was pregnant with Bradley's baby.

"It was the most bittersweet moment of my life. I had part of Bradley growing inside me but it broke my heart that he had died and would never know he was going to become a daddy - the thing he wanted most in the world.

"It wasn't easy but I decided to announce my pregnancy at Bradley's funeral in front of all the people who loved and cared about him.
It was incredibly emotional but I know it was the right thing to do and I am glad I did it."

Hannah and Bradley. Picture: Wales News Service

Bradley was a passenger in a Volkswagen Polo being driven by friend Delme Marks in Brynmawr, Gwent, when it lost control and ended up on it's roof.

Marks was over the legal cannabis limit when he caused the crash.

Hannah said: "Bradley had been in the back seat and took the brunt of the impact and suffered catastrophic internal bleeding. 

"One minute I had been kissing him goodbye and telling him to have a nice evening. I never imagined it would be the last time I would see him alive.

"His mother, Mary, called me and told me Bradley had been in car crash and was dead. I honestly felt as if the world had stopped. I wouldn't believe Bradley was dead until I saw him myself.

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"I will never forget going to the hospital and seeing Bradley laying in bed with a tube still in his mouth. He had a black eye but other than than he looked perfect and as if he was sleeping.

"I was crying and telling him to wake up. But I knew he never would."

Hannah Probert gave birth after her boyfriend had died. Picture: Wales News Service

Nine months later on March 22 2019 Hannah gave birth to a 5lb 11oz boy who shame named Archie-John Bradley.

"Giving birth should have been one of the happiest days of my life - I always believed Bradley would have been by my side," she added.

"When Archie was born I looked at him and realised he was the image of Bradley. It was so comforting. Maybe Archie was was Bradley's parting gift to me. That is the way I like to think of him.

"I know Bradley would have loved Archie so much and he would have been a wonderful daddy.

"Archie is now three years old. He has given me a strength I never knew I had.

"I've saved photographs of Bradley and have his favourite yellow hoodie for Archie when he is older.

"My romance with Bradley was short but my life was changed by his love forever. I will make sure I tell Archie all about the wonderful man his daddy was.

"I hope wherever he is he is proud of us."

Cardiff Crown court heard Marks, of Blaina, Gwent, was high on cannabis when he took his eyes off the road to reach for his cigarette lighter.

Marks, 21, reached down to the footwell for the lighter to get it seconds before the crash on a country road.

The prosecution said that Marks "accepted he was responsible for Bradley's death but it was an accident".

Delme Marks, 22, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Bradley Lukins by careless driving.

Marks was sentenced to two years imprisonment. He has also been disqualified from driving for six years and will have to take an extended retest.

Judge Eleri Rees said that he will have to live with his actions for life.