THE FULL TEXT OF A PREPARED STATEMENT READ OUT BY AUSTRALIAN MALCOLM CORAM AT THE FRENCH ALPS MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS OF THE GERMANWINGS CRASH INCLUDING HIS SISTER, CAROL FRIDAY, AND NEPHEW, GREIG FRIDAY.
I felt the need to come here to France with my two daughters, Georgina and Philippa, and son-in-law, Michael, to represent the rest of our family back in Australia.
I have a need to see the crash site myself and pay my respects to my sister and my nephew.
My family suffers this loss terribly.
My brother-in-law and niece are too devastated to travel here today.
(Carol's husband) Dave's siblings have rallied around him at home to provide much needed support.
My two brothers are back in Australia still in denial.
We have decided to treat this as an accident at this stage and thus deny the perpetrator his wishes.
I now know the true meaning of the words "grief stricken".
My sister, Carol, loving wife of Dave for 34 years and devoted mother of Alex and Greig.
She was the linchpin of the entire family. My life-long travelling companion and my mate of 63 years.
She was a unique and compassionate person, who always welcomed and accepted others, no matter their background.
Fortunately, her son inherited these same beautiful values, and was always thinking of others.
My nephew Greig was my Godson and my daughter's special soul mate for their whole lives.
I would like to thank all those involved in getting us to France so quickly.
I would like to make special thanks to the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Foreign Affairs for their assistance, and to the captains and crews of the Lufthansa and Qantas flights.
The airline crews have been especially sincere and supportive in our journey over here.
Carol and Greig's death has left a hole in our family that will probably never be filled.
In closing I would like to read something from Greig's partner: "Life has taught us a tough lesson, the lesson being - enjoy every bit of what we have for we don't know when it is going to be taken away from us."
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