West Country coming together to remember those killed on our roads

The World Day of Remembrance is dedicated to victims of crashes and also honours the emergency services who turn out to try and save lives

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 17th Nov 2024
Last updated 17th Nov 2024

Services are taking place in the West Country and across the nation today to remember all those killed on the UK's roads.

The World Day of Remembrance is dedicated to victims of crashes and also honours the emergency services who turn out to try and save lives.

Sharron Huddleston is one of the many taking part in the occasion, organised by Road Peace.

She lost her 18-year-old daughter Caitlin in a horror crash in 2017, and told us: "Five families a day will receive a knock on the door, getting the devastating news that their lives will never be the same again.

"World Day of Remembrance is so close to Caitlin's birthday - when she should be turning 26.

"Sadly, for us, she will forever be 18 years old, and I have found immense support in connecting with bereaved parents who've lost a child in similar circumstances.

"These crashes should not be accepted by society, and that's exactly what today is all about - we need to strive for zero road deaths a day, not five, which is what we see today."

Here in the South West, one of the ceremonies will be taking place in Bath, between 11am and 1pm.

Sharing the details of the event, we're told: "This ceremony is to acknowledge all lives lost and broken in the South West.

"It is also an opportunity to thank the emergency services and medical professionals who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury.

"During the service photos of those we are remembering will be displayed, and their names will be read out.

"Following the service there will be time for light refreshments after which there will be a short procession to the memorial stone in St James Gardens (Pigeon Park), Lower Borough Walls, for the laying of flowers."

You can find out plenty more on the RoadPeace website - and find out the event closest to you today here.

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