The place we long for is not a home - it's Aran

The family of a cyclist who tragically lost his life in a collision two years ago have expressed that "a version of us" passed away on that fateful day. Aran Potkin, from Farnham, died following a crash on the A31 near Runfold, and the driver involved in the incident was sentenced to prison on Wednesday.

Aran's wife, Poppy Potkin, shared her feelings, saying, "For the past two years, I've felt an overwhelming sense of homesickness, and I know my children feel the same. Its become clear to me that the 'home' we long for is not a place, but a person. Its Aran." She continued, "The night the police came to tell me that Aran was gone, we lost a version of ourselves as well. That was the end of Arans life, and the worst day of ours."

Matthew Marston, the driver involved in the crash, was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Marston, from North Baddesley, was behind the wheel of a white Renault Trafic van when the crash occurred on October 23, 2023. The 41-year-old claimed he did not realize he had been in a collision, believing instead that his engine had exploded. However, analysis of his phone records revealed significant usage at the time of the crash.

During police questioning, Marston declined to comment when asked how he managed to unlock and use his phone. His prior driving offenses, including six penalty points for using a mobile phone while driving, were noted as aggravating factors in his sentencing, according to police.

Detective Constable Charley Spriegel, from Surrey Polices serious collision investigation unit, commended the Potkin family for their dignified response throughout the investigation and court proceedings. She emphasized, "This case serves as a stark reminder to all road users that using a mobile phone while driving can have devastating consequences."

Author: Natalie Monroe