This August, in recognition of National Road Victim Month, West Mercia Police, in partnership with RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, is sharing a series of moving and powerful videos. These stories feature families whose lives have been forever changed by road collisions stories of heartbreak, resilience, and a call for safer roads.

National Road Victim Month is an opportunity to reflect, to remember, and to honour every life lost or forever changed by road crashes. We are deeply grateful to Louise, Ange, Diana, Leanne, Abbie, and Lucy for their courage in sharing their stories.

Ange’s Story

When Ange’s daughter, Emma Louise Young, was killed in a road traffic collision, her world collapsed. Out of her grief came The ELY Memorial Fund, a charity dedicated to funding funerals for young people taken too soon in road collisions.

Ange also educates young people about driving skills and road safety, helping to prevent future tragedies. She shares her story to raise awareness and support other families in crisis.

▶️ Watch Ange’s full video here

Leanne’s Story

“I was there when Lily-May was born… and I was there when she was ripped away from me.”

Leanne Vaughan’s 17-year-old daughter, Lily-May, was killed in a road traffic collision in Shawbury Heath, Shropshire, in February 2023. Lily-May was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her boyfriend, who is now serving a five-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

Leanne bravely shares the devastating impact of reckless driving and the ripple effect of one careless decision.

▶️ Watch Leanne’s full video here

Louise’s Story

“She was my best friend, my rock.”

Louise lost her mother, Pat, aged 78, in a car crash in 2022. Pat was much more than a mother—she was a grandmother, baker, churchgoer, gardener, and friend. Louise shares the pain of losing her mum suddenly and the strength it took to navigate the legal process.

▶️ Watch Louise’s full video here

Lucy’s Story

“I knew someone had died. You didn’t have to say a word.”

Lucy Harrison lost her older brother, Peter Price, aged 39, to a speeding driver who fled the scene. Peter had been a devoted brother and a presence in Lucy’s life every Saturday. Lucy shares the devastating impact of reckless driving and the strength it took to share her story publicly.

▶️ Watch Lucy’s full video here

Diana’s Story

Diana’s 19-year-old son, Thomas Wood, died in a crash caused by speeding on 1st June 2014. Diana shares the raw truth of losing her son and the ripple effect of one preventable decision. She reminds us that every speeding death is preventable and every driver has a choice.

▶️ Watch Diana’s full video here

Abbie’s Story

“She was sunshine personified,” says Abbie Brooks of her 19-year-old sister, Molly, who was killed in a road traffic collision in Ledbury, Herefordshire, in November 2022. Molly was a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who was later sentenced to 11 years for causing death by dangerous driving and other offences.

Abbie shares the painful truth of that night and its aftermath, highlighting the devastating consequences of reckless driving.

▶️ Watch Abbie’s full video here

A Call for Change

These stories are more than personal accounts they are a reminder of the human cost of road collisions. By sharing their experiences, these families hope to prevent further tragedies and make our roads safer.

If you have been affected by a road crash or need support, RoadPeace is here to help. We provide emotional support, guidance through the legal process, and resources for families and survivors.

📞 Call our helpline: 0800 160 1069
🌐 Find out more and access support

Updated on: 29 August 2025