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Support the Dow family at this difficult time

• Petition launched on anniversary of Matthew's death - please take a moment to sign online...

    7 January 2019

  The Dow family marked the anniversary of Matthew's death with the launch of a petition calling for random roadside drug testing for drivers. The petition is backed by Nelson MP Dr Nick Smith, who said Matthew was among the 79 killed on the road last year in accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs. He said police needed the tools to help get such drivers off the road.

  This is a request to please sign this petition online here and forward the link around your own family and friend circle:

  https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/petitions/document/PET_82698/petition-of-karen-dow-matthews-petition-seeking-urgent

  Karen and Peter hope the petition will save another from enduring what they have.

  "At the very least it might save another family going through what we've endured this last 12 months. It's been an horrific time in all our lives - we've lost a son and our two other boys have lost a brother, and it was such a tragic waste - it didn't need to happen."

  The news story can be viewed here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/109673475/roadside-drug-testing-petition-launched-on-anniversary-of-new-years-eve-death

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• An update: Life of 'kind and gentle soul' cut short by meth driver

    25 October 2018

  You may have seen in the news, the woman who killed Matthew has now been charged. Karen, Matthew's mum, read out her victim impact statement in court. A snippet read, "Nothing will ease the grief of losing my much loved son.... Each day is a battle to survive, there are so many chapters to be rewritten." She said Fulcher-Poole made a selfish decision that day to consume drugs, drink alcohol and get into a vehicle which made it a weapon. The news article following the sentencing can be found here:

  https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/107897285/Takaka-mother-sent-to-prison-for-causing-fatal-New-Years-Eve-crash-while-on-meth?rm=m

  A heart wrenching account from the family was also released today on Stuff news website and includes a video of the family recalling that dreadful day:

  https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/108028244/life-of-kind-and-gentle-soul-cut-short-by-meth-driver

  Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you Karen, Peter, Hamish and Angus. We will always remember your Matthew fondly, truely a kind and gentle soul. With much love.

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• With heartfelt thanks...

    25 April 2018

  To the many people who have donated to this givealittle cause we wish to express our sincere appreciation for your generosity. The page has now closed and the funds have been paid out to the Dow Family. They are extremely grateful not only for the generous donations but also for the words of support from those who donated.

  We continue to hold the Dow Family in our thoughts and prayers as they try to carry on their lives with tremendous grief over the loss of their precious son Matthew. The journey made considerably harder by the pending court case of the woman charged with driving under the influence of drugs causing Matthew's death. Follow link below for an update.

  https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/102810366/takaka-woman-pleads-not-guilty-to-drugdriving-causing-death-on-new-years-eve

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• Takaka woman charged with drug-driving causing death is named

    23 January 2018

  Today Peter and Karen attended court in Nelson where the woman charged with drug-driving causing the death of Matthew was named. The woman did not enter a plea and was remanded on bail to appear again on 19 February.

  https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/100817279/takaka-woman-charged-with-drugdriving-causing-death-is-named

  Please continue to keep the grieving Dow family in your thoughts and prayers. Matthew was such a huge part of their family life, the hole left by his loss is complete agony.

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• Arrest and charges pending

    18 January 2018

  Thanks to Nelson Police for the arrest and charges pending on the person who killed Matthew. Yesterday was especially difficult as the family brought Matthew's ashes home, on the 40th anniversary of Karen's mother's death. We pray for justice to be served but sadly nothing will make amends for their loss. The family are broken without their beloved Matthew.

  https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/100644398/drug-charges-laid-against-driver-in-new-years-eve-fatal-crash-in-nelson

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