Leah Speakman names her son Ebon Albie after his late brother, Albie, who died in a tragic farm accident.
This tragic accident happened back in July 2022. The telehandler that hit Albie was defective. Neil Speakman, Leah’s ex, drove it on his farm located in Bury.
Neil Speakman was found not guilty of manslaughter. The jury reached this verdict after the trial. He did plead guilty to a safety violation from 1974.
Leah shared she had another son, named Ebon. Ebon’s middle name is Albie, a tribute. She mentioned she had promised Albie something, and she thinks he’d have been a great big brother.
Leah wrote about her feelings in a statement. Albie’s baby brother will never meet him. They’ll never get to play together, which breaks her heart. She vowed to keep Albie’s memory alive. She thinks about Albie constantly, always thinking about him.
Many questions remain unanswered, causing her pain. She wonders if he suffered since death occurred suddenly. Albie was known as a happy, funny boy who loved adventures and going to the beach.
Doughnuts and anything round made him happy. Leah moved to Radcliffe to be closer to Albie, who is buried there at the local cemetery.
The birth of Ebon brought her joy and sorrow. She feared he would look like Albie. She hesitated to look at him at first, wondering if he’d resemble his brother.
When Ebon arrived, her partner held him briefly. Her mom also held him at the hospital. Leah felt scared, though she didn’t know why.
Albie’s things are packed away safely in the attic and still untouched. Leah always carries one of his jumpers with her that came directly from the wash.
Ebon also visits Albie at the cemetery. Leah wonders how to explain Albie to him. Maybe he already knows, she thinks sometimes. They visit his resting place together often.
Albie would be six this year, but he remains three. “Would I buy him a Blippi toy?” she wondered. She realizes a six-year-old wouldn’t want that. Albie remains Ebon’s big brother, always.
Soon, Ebon will be three, then four. Albie will always be three years old, which doesn’t make sense to Leah.
Leah stays strong for her 19-month-old son, Ebon. She struggles to leave him with others. She texts Ebon’s dad constantly, wanting pictures and updates frequently. She is very anxious all of the time.
Ebon is the only reason she keeps going, providing purpose and comfort.