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2023

For 2023, we had a special RoadPeace Lifetime Achievement Award to honour and remember a remarkable person who gave so much to RoadPeace over decades of service as a member, local group coordinator, trustee and lifeline to countless families, Pauline Fielding.

       

Members of the North West Local Group presenting David and James Fielding with Pauline’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Pauline lost her 18-year-old son Andrew in 1994 after he was killed in a road traffic crash when travelling to a football match with friends.

He had just collected his exam results and found out he would be going to university.

When travelling on the A540 Chester High Road, approaching Neston at the junction with Raby Park Road, Andrew swerved to avoid a car which cut across his path. He died instantly from his injuries. The driver of the other car did not stop and was never found.

Pauline started RoadPeace North West along with Margaret Highton over two decades ago to support road crash victims.

She always had a moment for you no matter what time of the day or night. She became a seasoned campaigner, having battled for years to instigate changes at the junction where her son Andrew was killed and change the system.

Pauline campaigned for changes at the A540 junction and after five years, she successfully managed to get the speed limit on the road reduced from 60mph to 40mph.

Further along the junction, on the dual carriageway, the speed limit was 70mph, and it was reduced to 60mph.

Pauline and the other campaigners formed the Action54Zero group, campaigning for more road safety improvements on the A540.

Cheshire West and Chester Council publicly committed to improve the safety of the A540 pledging millions to complete the changes which were due this year, we know they will be held to account to ensure those changes go ahead.

During the height of the pandemic she was still offering support despite being unwell herself and at a time when many decided to hunker down and cut themselves off, Pauline somehow managed to achieve more than many do in a lifetime. Including receiving an MBE from Prince William, a commendation from Merseyside Police, being photographed and attending a RoadPeace exhibition at the Oxo Gallery in London, speaking at a football tournament, organising the annual remembrance services at Liverpool Cathedral and St George’s Hall and going to Parliament to encourage MPs to ensure hit-and-run drivers remain at the scene and are held accountable for their actions.

Along with supporting victims of road crashes, Pauline was also a RoadPeace trustee and much valued board member.

Her memory was so sharp, and she never forgot names, dates or significant occasions that meant something to others. She has a wonderful legacy having helped many people in their time of loss and grief.

She was extremely supportive of RoadPeace’s local coordinators and facilitators who do such amazing work. Encouraging and championing them.

We will always be grateful for your support and care Pauline. You have left a big gap in our lives.

We would like to share the following short film to remember our friend Pauline Fielding, and the recipient of this year’s special RoadPeace Lifetime Achievement Award