Candles to be lit for loved ones at RoadPeace service (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Candles to be lit for loved ones at RoadPeace service

7:30am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Local

ROAD accident victims are to be remembered at an annual service held by RoadPeace in Kidderminster.

The service, which will be held on Sunday, November 18 at 6.30pm, will allow families suffering from the devastation caused by road deaths and injuries to light a candle and remember their loved ones.

Peter Picken, of Kidderminster RoadPeace, said: “The charity strives to raise awareness of the responsibilities of all road users in order to bring about the reduction of road danger.

“It encourages concern for the most vulnerable, notably pedestrians and cyclists, the very young and the elderly. Road deaths are not normal deaths as there is no warning.”

In the 1990s, RoadPeace members organised a memorial stone, donated by a member of the Royal British Legion, to be placed outside St Mary’s Parish Church.

Mr Picken added: “The national casualty statistics on reported road crashes increased to 1,901 deaths last year and 23,122 seriously injured.

“These figures are staggering and if it were associated with anything other than the car I am sure there would be a greater call for action.”

The Kidderminster service will be led by Father Douglas Lamb and Canon Paul Brothwell with hospital chaplain the Rev David Southall delivering the address at St Ambrose Church, in Birmingham Road.

This year, RoadPeace is also asking people to light candles and lights and to illuminate porches, houses and civic buildings from 6pm to 8pm on November 18 as part of its Light of Hope initiative.

RoadPeace is a nationwide charity which organises the World Day of Remembrance to provide emotional and practical support to road accident victims and to bereaved families and friends.

Anyone who would like someone remembered in the prayers are invited to attend the service or can fill in the coupon in the printed version of The Shuttle and send it to RoadPeace Service, c/o Clive Joyce, The Kidderminster Shuttle, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DY.