'I pray for Pino every day'

11:50am Friday 29th August 2008

Comments (4)   Have your say »

By Ben Perrin »

PINO Mazzotta died last December – but mum Wanda still visits his grave every day.

Wanda’s son Giuseppe, known as Pino, 22, was hit by a taxi on the A419 as he walked home from a Christmas party in South Cerney.

The mum says that she has cried every day since the tragedy on December 15 last year.

It was found Pino, who was a bricklayer, died from misadventure at an inquest held last week.

“The death of my son has destroyed my family,” said the mum-of-five from Cambria Place.

“I have cried every day for the last nine months – nothing has changed. Children are the most precious part of life and my child has been taken away from me.

“I can’t live my life without him. Having him gone is my life sentence.

“He was just a young lad doing no harm to anyone – trying to get home because he was upset.

“I didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye properly at the hospital.

“I was told I had five minutes with him and that was it.

Wanda pays a daily visit to Pino’s grave at Whitworth Road Cemetery.

She added: “I go to Pino’s grave every day and sit with him for an hour, say prayers and sometimes speak to him.

“I always say good night and God bless when I leave.”

Wanda says Pino’s room has been left exactly as he left it before he died.

His bed is made and his trainers positioned neatly by the side of it. “He was always tidy and organised,” said Wanda.

“He didn’t like to put people out and always thought of others.”

Pino’s cousin Biagio Mazzotta, 38, from Cheney Manor, came back from Calabria in Italy, after playing in a victorious football match in tribute to his younger relation last week.

The family are hoping Pino’s silver DKNY wristwatch with a blue front, given to him on his 21st birthday, will be found and handed back to them.

“It came off in the accident,” said his sister Franca, 22.

“Even if it’s damaged we want it back.”

If you have found the watch, please call the newsroom on 01793 501798.