Five years since her daughter lost her life on the Causeway, Franzine Burgess can still not face walking across the bridge, which once had been her regular exercise route.

When she walks along the seashore, she still looks for P.C. Nicole 'Nikki' O'Connor's rings, shoes, anything that might explain where her daughter went.

P.C. O'Connor, 29, who was pregnant, was one of four people who became trapped on the Causeway during Hurricane Fabian five years ago.

She had been driving with P.C. Stephen Symons, 37, and Gladys Saunders, 48, around 2.30 p.m. when for unknown reasons their Police car stopped.

Behind them a civilian car that was carrying Manuel Pacheco, 23, stopped also leaving him stranded on the bridge.

All four were believed to have been washed into the sea and only the body of P.C. Symons was found.

Ms. Burgess said five years on the pain has not got any less and she leans on her faith and prayer to keep her going.

"For me it's (September 5) just like every day. I have lost a daughter and I have lost a grandchild I won't have. The only thing I have to call on is the Lord," she said.

"The Lord is keeping me in this path and in this journey. I have met so many people who have broken hearts from children they have lost and I offer up prayer.

"What we had was sisterly. What we had was spiritual. With your daughter, it's just hard, and I think about the other mothers going through their pain.

"I want to thank my pastor, Gary Bremar. He was really the one who helped me. I couldn't understand a lot and he said if you don't know what to say just offer up a prayer.

"I am still very empty. It's just not real. She was just a beautiful daughter that has been taken out of this world.

"She had accepted Jesus into her life. She knew the power of prayer. Her higher power was very important.

"But the best thing was her smile that's why she will never, ever be gone."

And though she used to regularly walk, bike or run over the Causeway from her house in St. David's to Shelly Bay and back, five years since her daughter died there Ms. Burgess cannot walk across the only link to the Island.

"It's my comfort to walk, but I have not been on the bridge to walk since. When I go by (seashore) I look for something of hers. I look for her shoes, for her rings," she said.

"I said I would never give up hope. For me she still lives. Now the bridge is my sore."

P.C. O'Connor was married and had only recently joined the Police force before her death. She excelled at everything she did, according to her mother.

And as a new officer she was awarded the baton of honour at the graduation ceremony the same year, which is given to the most distinguished recruit.

Before that, she had worked at the Bank of Bermuda for eight years, but her mother said she always wanted to serve and was determined to make a difference.

That's why P.C. O'Connor decided to change careers and move into the Police where she could make a difference.

"Whatever she did she did to better her life and the life of her husband. Her husband was a good part of her life. No matter what no words will take it away.

"She was my right hand. That girl was so strong. She put her all in everything she did. She told me 'Mom if I catch you speeding I am going to give you a ticket'.

"Nikki wanted to make a difference. I have lost a part of me that's so rich and powerful."

What is still difficult is not only the loss but also the hatred she feels from some people who say she should get over the pain and loss.

But Ms. Burgess, who had five children of which Nicole was one of her twins, said the pain never goes away and people who have not lost will never know.

"I have found a lot of cruel people are here," she added, "Everybody's for themselves. I thank God for the opportunities in my life. I thank him for the good in my children's lives and grandchildren's lives.

"It's only God in my life and God is keeping me for his purpose. Without him I would be good for nobody."