Mum’s moving plea to drivers every where

FAMILIES and friends of those who tragically lost their lives in road collisions in the region, attended a special service, on Sunday (20/11), at St Mary’s church, Thame.

The memorial service, organised by Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Joint Roads Policing Unit, was an opportunity for members of the public to join the emergency services in remembering those who have died on the region’s roads, or in road collisions elsewhere.

Family members from Thame who took take part in an Act of Commemoration, led by The Right Reverend William Kenny, Bishop of the Southern Pastoral Area, Birmingham Archdiocese, included Maggie Stiles, whose son Greg was killed when his car was hit by an on-coming 4×4 on the Kingsey Road, just outside Thame. The driver was later jailed for two years for causing death by dangerous driving.

Maggie Stiles on a happier occasion,
when she jumped from an aircraft
to raise funds for charity

In a moving statement afterwards, Maggie described the event: ” …always a beautiful yet very sad service… so many people killed on the roads each year due to others’ stupidity and selfishness. Please drive carefully….don’t drink, don’t text or use your phone in any way and slow down….another few minutes won’t make any difference to your journey….don’t leave another family heartbroken like ours and all those others at the service today.”

Police officers, fire and rescue workers and ambulance staff also took part in the service and were joined by the Thames Valley Police choir.

It is believed that Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Joint Roads Policing Unit is unique in marking the United Nations Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims by organising such a service to support bereaved families.

Chief Constable Francis Habgood said: “The Road Death Memorial Service provides great comfort for those family and friends who have lost loved ones in road traffic collisions and it is a very poignant event for everyone involved.

“St Mary the Virgin Church provides a welcoming environment for the bereaved to spend some special time reflecting on treasured memories and finding the strength to keep pressing forward. The service brings together the emergency services and many families from across the area and it is our way of remembering those who have sadly lost their lives in collisions.”

Supt Simon Dodds, head of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Between January and December 2015, 68 people were killed on the roads of the Thames Valley. The circumstances surrounding such instances are always tragic and deeply upsetting for all touched by them. In organising this service we hope to offer support to families and friends, taking the opportunity to remember loved ones who lost their lives on our roads.”

Force Chaplain, Canon David Wilbraham, said: “Designated by the United Nations, the third Sunday of November is set aside as a special day of remembrance for victims of road death.

“While clearly a global issue, the death of someone on the roads is intensely personal and impacts greatly on the families and friends of those killed. This service provides a safe, supportive place for those affected to come together to remember and commemorate their individual loss.