PART of the healing process for families who have lost a loved one in a road accident is to “remember the good times” they spent together, according to a Wyre Forest Minister.

Rev Rose Lawley, industrial chaplain for Kidderminster and Wyre Forest, said it was part of the role of a Minister to try and offer comfort and support to families affected by the trauma of a road death.

She spoke to The Shuttle as RoadPeace, a group that campaigns for safer driving, prepares to remember Wyre Forest road victims in its annual service of Remembrance.

Mrs Lawley gave the address at last year’s service and explained that the theme had been “everyone is vulnerable”.

She said: “When someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly, people try to find out the reason. Everyone asks the ‘why question’.

“We can all go out from our home first thing in the morning and not come back. We are all vulnerable.”

She added: “People become very raw and emotional and this is not something that will go away. It is devastating for families and relationships.”

Mrs Lawley said RoadPeace was an important group, which provided support to everyone affected by road deaths, while also offering the opportunity to remember loved ones who had died.

She added that one of the benefits of the remembrance service was that it brought together people who had suffered a similar trauma.

She said: “I think there is a need for people to come together who have had similar circumstances in their lives.

“Sometimes being able to talk to people like this can really help. The remembrance service helps this come about. “ She added: “People have a tendency not to want to talk about what has happened. Part of the healing process is being able to think about the person who died.

“It is important to remember the good times when they were alive. Remembering is good. It can be a real opportunity for healing.”

Mrs Lawley said the role of the Minister was to try and provide “listening ears” and offer comfort.

She added: “Any Minister will have come across people who have had trauma their life, either through an accident, death or injury on the road.”

Anyone wishing to have a loved one remembered at the Wyre Forest service should complete the coupon on this page.

The district’s annual RoadPeace service is at St Ambrose’s RC Church, Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, on Sunday, November 15 at 6.30pm.

Anyone can attend and further details are available from Canon Paul Brothwell on 01299 823495.