People who have lost family members and friends in collisions on the roads in the Thames Valley will be coming together to commemorate their lives, at a multi-faith service organised by the emergency services.
The service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, November 15, at St Mary the Virgin Church, Thame.
The memorial service is an opportunity for the emergency services to come together with members of the public who have lost loved ones, to remember those that have died on the region’s roads, or in road collisions elsewhere.
Police officers, fire and rescue workers, paramedics, ambulance technicians and hospital staff will lead readings and prayers from different religions during the service.
Family members will be invited to take part in an act of commemoration during the service.
The service will be led by David Wilbraham, Force Chaplain of Thames Valley Police. The address will be given by the Bishop of Oxford, The Rt Rev John Pritchard, who will also lead the Act of Commemoration.
Superintendent Rob Povey, head of Roads Policing, said: “This service provides an opportunity for friends and families to remember their loved ones in an appropriate setting. There are a great number of people affected by all of the fatal collisions that take place each year on our roads, and this service brings many of them together.
“All of the emergency services will be represented, and they will be able to reflect on collisions they have attended and people they have tried to help.”
Force Chaplain David Wilbraham said: “The third Sunday of November is set aside, by the United Nations as a special day of Remembrance for victims of Road Death.
“However, while clearly a global issue, the death of someone on the roads is intensely personal and impacts greatly their families and friends. This service provides a safe, supportive place for those affected to come together to remember and commemorate their individual loss.
“For some this service has become an annual event, we welcome them and extend the invitation to others whose lives have been affected by death on the roads to join us.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the event, and can reserve a space by contacting Elizabeth Richardson on 01189 231802 or email elizabeth.richardson@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
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