Ellee Seymour

David can now throw out his L plates having passed his driving test today. I was thrilled for him because I felt he deserved to pass, that he was both confident and considerate on the road.

We had arranged to meet for lunch in Cambridge anyway, so it was great to make it a celebratory event at Nandos, one of his favourite restaurants, despite my concerns about where they source their chickens from.

I remember how thrilled I felt when I passed my driving test, I felt more exhilarated than any other exam success I notched up. Although David was quietly pleased - and embarrassed by the jig I did in the street when he told me - he said winning his football teams Players’ Player of the Year Award, as well as their Supporters’ Award last Saturday, had meant more to him, that it was the best night of his life.

I think I can understand that.

Congratulations David. I’m so pleased for you and very, very proud.

After Margaret Mizen’s truly selfless words following the murder of her 16-year-old son Jimmy, which mother do you feel sorry for?

Jimmy, a devout Roman Catholic, was slashed across the neck with a broken glass dish in a bakery in south-east London by a man in his 20s who had unsuccessfully tried to goad him and his 18 year old brother Harry into a fight on Saturday morning.

Jimmy’s mother said afterwards that she felt only sympathy for her son’s attacker and his parents:

“I don’t feel anger, just sorrow for the parents of our son’s killer. They must be in pain. It’s so painful to know that one of your children has been so cruel, so wicked.”

One can only have the greatest admiration for such dignity and kindness. And her poignant words are very true. But will it make any difference to the killer and his family? Or to others who live their lives by violence?

Accidental death is one thing, but a deliberate unprovoked murder on a decent teenager is another.

My sympathies are with the exemplary Mizen family for the loss of their gorgeous son, similar in age to my two boys, who should have been preparing for his GCSEs right now.