Help at times of 'devastating' loss

1:43pm Wednesday 14th November 2007

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A WORKER at a Kidderminster-based funeral directors, which supports the district's RoadPeace group, said "vehicle accidents can be absolutely devastating for those left behind".

Jackie Solloway, funeral director at Co-operative Funeral Group, spoke as the Wyre Forest branch of the charity, which campaigns for safer driving, prepares for Sunday's annual service of remembrance for road accident victims.

She said: "We are very pleased to be able to support the RoadPeace charity. The death of a person from old age is of course, upsetting and distressing. However, when the individual concerned is a child, a young person or middle aged, as is sadly often the case with vehicle accidents, this can be absolutely devastating for those left behind.

"We are very proud to be able to play our part in the service this Sunday."

The service at St Ambrose RC Church, Kidderminster, starts at 6.30pm and will be led by parish priest, Father Douglas Lamb.

Rev John Paxton, social responsibility officer for the diocese of Worcester, will give the address.

He said: "RoadPeace is an annual opportunity for people to meet those who are in the same position and share experiences and stories and try and support each other."

Professionals who deal with road tragedies as part of their working lives will play a part in the service, including members of the ambulance, police, fire, hospital services and media.

Peter Picken of Wyre Forest RoadPeace, Kidderminster's retired police chief superintendent, said: "I have seen how an enormous number of people can be affected by the pain and grief caused by a fatal road crash and it stays with many of them for the rest of their lives."

People are also invited to light a candle during the service, to remember their loved ones.

Those who would like someone remembered in prayers can fill in the coupon in this week's Shuttle/Times & News and drop it into the newspaper's Blackwell Street office in Kidderminster before 4pm on Friday.