A year on: Bernadette Lee’s family marks the anniversary of the clubber’s death in the snow in Deal

 

 

She left an imprint on the hearts of her friends and family, but Bernadette Lee gained more fame in death. 

Known as Bernie to her friends, the 25 year-old dental nurse’s name was all over the headlines when she was found dead in the snow outside her sister’s home in Deal. 

Bernadette had been enjoying a night out with friends when she got separated from the girl she was supposed to be staying with. After getting a lift and being turned away from a house party, she unexpectedly made her way to her sister’s home.

But Jodie Lee, 34, had been on a rare night out and was locked out. Tragically, Bernie waited outside without calling her sister or waking neighbours to take shelter from the rapidly falling snow. 

This week, Bernadette’s father Roger Lee spoke of the impact of her death, after her lifeless body was found in the snow without shoes or a coat.

He said:”She was too young to go.

“It has been terrible. I do my best to get by. I turn and see a young girl on an advert and I think, that could be Bernadette.”

Mr Lee is trying to do as she used to tell him, go out for drinks and book holidays. 

Her close friend Kayleigh Aldred, shed light on what the former Walmer Science College pupil was like as a person: “On the Christmas before she died, she helped the homeless at a shelter in Canterbury,” said Miss Aldred. 

“I phoned her and she said she was trying to make a crumble for pudding.

“Bernie said to me: ‘A lot of people aren’t fortunate like me.'”

In June, a coroner ruled Bernadette died of hypothermia, brought on quicker because of the alcohol she had consumed.

Miss Aldred added: “Bernadette’s death has made her friends, family and other people think differently about safety when they go out in the snow.”

Mr Lee added: “When you go out, make sure you don’t have too much to drink like Bernadette did.

“Make sure you have got your mobile charged up with money on it and wear a coat and something warm.” 

From previous interviews with the family, including sister Jodie, Bernadette’s character was clear: She was a girl who loved to live, with a very big heart and may friends. 

And her philosophy was the right one: Live life like it is your last day. You never know what’s around the corner.  

My first blog – an introduction

A sunny morning on Kingsdown beach

I love where I live.

Yes I’m happy in my house, and the rabbit warren-like community it was built in. But seriously, in terms of scenery and all that matters, I love where I live.

Few journalists are fortunate enough to work in an area that inspires and enriches them. And Deal, with its natural energy from the sea, geological beauty from the nearby White Cliffs and sturdy industry from the fields and farms, makes the town my Achilles heel.

Then there’s the people. A mixed bag of born-and-breds; colliery, shipping and Pfizer migrants; and the trendy DFLs (Down from Londons) who have bought art and boutiques into our fishing town psyche.

A writer can only harp on so much about the stunning view towards France at St Margaret’s Bay or the sight of white horses crashing against the Goodwin Sands from Nelson’s Bench at Ringwould. It’s the people – and often their antics – that take up the column inches.

So that’s what this blog is all about: A tribute to the people of Deal.

What you’ll see is posts on residents and their present endeavours – and you’ll also read about people who are no longer with us. I’ll be telling of their past accolades through anecdotes, articles – most from my own note pad.

Why do I think we need this? Because the cliffs castles and shoreline have stood the test of time.

If only the lives of people from this special town could.