An Otley teenager who lost her brother to a drink driver has handed in a 13,000 signature petition to Downing Street.

Jamie Still, a student at St Mary’s School, Menston, was just 16 when he was fatally hit by a car driven by over-the-limit Max McRae on New Year’s Eve, 2010.

Jamie’s sister Rebecca, desperate to prevent more people suffering the same needless loss, set up the Jamie Still Campaign to push for tougher laws and longer sentences.

Using a petition and supported by road safety charity Brake and MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), the campaign is also urging the Government to change the law so any driver charged with ending a life has their licence revoked until trial.

Fifteen-year-old Rebecca was joined by her mother, Karen Strong, and grandfather Peter Strong, along with Mr Mulholland, when she delivered the petition on Wednesday.

Ms Strong said: “Rebecca’s determination has been incredible, we are all so proud of her.

“She started this campaign by herself, from her bedroom, and we only found out when she told us she was getting so much support on the Internet. We knew immediately we had to do everything we could to support her.

“Jamie’s death has been absolutely devastating for all of us. Everyone thinks their child is special, but Jamie really was.

“He was gentle and kind, and as perfect a son as any mum could hope for. We all miss him terribly, including Rebecca, but we’re all determined his death won’t be in vain. The campaign doesn’t end here. We want to know the Government will get tough with drink drivers, because no other family should have to go what we’ve been through,” said Mrs Strong.

Mr Mulholland said: “The unnecessary and tragic death of Jamie Still was something that deeply affected the whole community in Otley, as well as being heart-breaking for his family and friends.

“Their loss has been made even more difficult by the fact the person who killed him, who was almost twice over the drink driving limit and driving recklessly, was allowed to continue driving for eight months afterwards.

“I was proud to be able to accompany Jamie’s family to Downing Street to present Rebecca’s petition, and then present it to the House of Commons.”

Brake has been backing the family’s calls while also working to raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving, and the need for zero tolerance, through its Not a Drop campaign.

Deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: “Rebecca and her family are to be commended for their courageous campaigning to end the horror of drink driving and bring justice to devastated families.

“Every year thousands of people are killed or injured by drivers who have selfishly got behind the wheel after drinking, so it’s an issue we should all be desperately concerned about.

“We’re right behind Jamie’s family and their calls for Government action: we need tougher penalties and laws, including a zero tolerance drink drive limit.”

More details can be found by visiting the campaign’s website at jamiestillcampaign.co.uk.