THREE siblings whose parents were killed by a dangerous driver in Sandbanks have launched an appeal to help young people who lose their parents.

Alan and Rochelle Bernard died when they were mown down on the pavement as they walked to their holiday home from Cafe Shore in September 2010.

Their children, James, Robbie and Natasha, were aged 26, 23 and 17 at the time and they have spoken out about the trauma they faced with the sudden deaths of both parents.

Now, 10 years on, they are launching an appeal to help others who have suffered such a devastating loss.

London businessman Alan, 53, and Rochelle, 51, were killed in Banks Road on September 11 2010.

Jonathan Knowles, 34, from London, was later jailed for seven years after admitting two charges of causing death by dangerous driving. He also admitted failing to give a breath sample to police.

Witnesses said he was seen staggering to his Mercedes after drinking in Cafe Shore. He lived just 300 yards away.

The siblings, who live in London, plan to walk from Sandbanks to London between September 12 and 16 to raise money for the new Rochelle & Alan Bernard Fund.

Robbie told the Daily Echo: “We were very young when our parents died - James was working but I was still studying and Natasha was in sixth form.

“It has been incredibly challenging and we have had to work hard to come through that period.”

The brothers became Natasha’s guardians and all three were forced to deal with difficult situations and decisions.

“We had to make decisions a lot of adults never have to make” added Robbie.

“We are still grieving and there is still a huge hole in our lives but we are now at a point where we want to do something special.”

The Fund will offer grants to young people and the siblings will also offer advice and support if it is wanted. Beneficiaries will be identified with the help of the charity, the Norwood Trust.

They have launched an appeal to raise £50,000 on Virgin Money Giving.

To make a donation to the fund, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=rochelleandalanbernardfund&pageUrl=1

In a statement on the site, they said: “Our very close family was torn apart in the space of one evening and our lives were turned completely upside down. Losing our parents so early and the unconditional love they always gave us created a huge hole in our lives, and it has been a very difficult and gradual process trying to recover.

“As devastating as this has been for us, we have always felt extremely lucky to have each other and we have grown closer trying to fill the void for one another whenever possible. We have also been very fortunate to have the support of our incredible family and friends and we can only imagine how much more difficult it would have been without them.

“Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have the support network we had and we want to try and help these people in some way. That is why we have set up The Rochelle & Alan Bernard Fund.”

Grants could be used for a variety of things such as financial support for funerals arrangements, counselling, education or career opportunities. The 105-mile sponsored walk will start in Sandbanks and end in Gerrards Cross at their Grandpa’s house.

“Our parents never made the journey back from to London and we hope this will be a fitting tribute to them both” they added.