HAUNTING memories came flooding back to an Ipswich Labourer when he witnessed the horrific accident that killed little Kiara Stevenson-Mann.Lee Mundy was working at a house in Reynolds Road almost opposite the scene of the fatal accident in Landseer Road, Ipswich.

HAUNTING memories came flooding back to an Ipswich Labourer when he witnessed the horrific accident that killed little Kiara Stevenson-Mann.

Lee Mundy was working at a house in Reynolds Road almost opposite the scene of the fatal accident in Landseer Road, Ipswich.

He was one of the first on the scene after the five-year-old was in collision with a coach as she cycled along Landseer Road on Thursday.

When police officers arrived Mr Mundy offered his support the distraught five-year-old's father, Colin Mann, who had been his friend for years.

Mr Mundy, 37, of Byron Road, Ipswich, said: "I heard Colin screaming and ran over to him. No words can describe what I saw.

"I went to Kiara first but two people were with her so I tried to help Colin as much as I could. I went to the hospital to see him and he told me the news straight away. My heart sank and I still feel the same today."

Almost a decade ago Mr Mundy was involved in a fatal accident involving a cyclist. As he was driving in Kesgrave he caught up with a pensioner cycling along the road. Suddenly a gust of wind unsettled the 72-year-old and he pulled out in front of Mr Munday, who had no time to react.

"He just feel off his bike in front of me. There was nothing I could do, but I have been blaming myself all my life," Mr Mundy said.

Last Thursday's tragedy affected him in a big way. He can empathise with the family as he has a daughter of a similar age and could not image life without her.

"But I have to be strong for Colin and be there whenever he needs a shoulder to cry on." he added.

He has organised a 26-mile cycle ride from Reynolds Road shops to Felixstowe pier and back to raise money for the Star's Kiara Fund.

Mr Mundy, Mr Mann and three others all aged around 37 and have little cycling experience who have not been on a bike for years will be joined by five others on September 7.

Anyone else is welcome to join in or donate to the fund.

Mr Mundy added; "We wanted to do something to raise some money to ease the burden for the family."

So far they have raised £250 since giving out forms on Thursday. He added: "We have had an amazing response and hopefully there will be no end to people's generosity."

nFollowing many enquiries by people in the area, the Evening Star has set up the Kiara Fund.

The money collected is to be spent in whatever way her family wishes.

Any donations should be sent to the Kiara Fund, c/o Geraldine Thompson, Editors Secretary, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.