In Memory of Lily-May: Leanne’s walks up the Wrekin 20 times

Leanne Vaughan undertook an extraordinary challenge in memory of her daughter, Lily-May. To mark what would have been Lily-May’s 20th birthday, Leanne climbed the Wrekin 20 times in one day.

Lily-May was tragically killed in a road crash in 2023 at just 17 years old. Since then, Leanne has been determined to channel her grief into something positive. By walking, she found a way to both honour her daughter’s memory and raise vital funds to help other families living with the heartbreak of road tragedy.

Walking with love and purpose

Throughout the day, Leanne was joined by family, friends, and her loyal dog, Sadie. Each climb represented not only a step of remembrance for Lily-May, but also a step towards hope for other families who need support after losing a loved one in a crash.

The Wrekin was chosen for its special place in the local community and for the challenge it presented. Twenty climbs symbolised twenty years of life that Lily-May should have been celebrating with her loved ones.

Making a difference

Leanne’s walk has already raised over £1,200 for RoadPeace. These funds will help us continue our vital work:

  • providing support to families bereaved or seriously injured by road crashes

  • campaigning for justice and safer roads

  • remembering those we have lost and ensuring their voices are not forgotten

Remembering Lily-May

Birthdays were always important to Lily-May, not for presents, but for the time spent with the people she loved. Leanne’s walk reflects that spirit—bringing people together to remember, to share, and to make a difference.

We are deeply grateful to Leanne for her strength, dedication, and commitment to RoadPeace. Her walk not only honoured Lily-May’s life but also helps ensure that other families will not face their grief alone.

A Mother’s Words to Lily-May

Dear Lily-May,
I can’t believe it is your 20th heavenly birthday and that you are not physically here for me to kiss your face and give you the biggest of hugs. I can’t even find the words to express how much it would mean to me to see that beautiful, warm smile of yours. When you were a baby, you always woke up with the birds, but as soon as I saw you lying there smiling in your cot, I would instantly forget any ounce of tiredness. I’m grateful that I always received your first smile of the day. Sadly, that didn’t continue into your teenage years, as you certainly didn’t keep up your early rising! The first thing I would see, when I walked into your bedroom, was Sadie curled up on your head or you buried under a teddy.
From the moment you were born, I was captivated by your inquisitive blue eyes. I’ll never forget how you peered up at me, so alert, as if you already knew so much about this world. Now that you are no longer physically here with us, I try so hard to see the world through your eyes, because you always found so much beauty and happiness. Even though your physical life was short, in those 17 years you lived with such carefree joy – always with a smile on your face and a thirst for life.
You couldn’t wait to start walking, and once you could, there was no holding you back. You had a strong sense of adventure and were in your absolute element outdoors. Your connection with nature was magical. You were happiest playing barefoot in the garden, and your rabbit, Mr Floppy Ears, had no choice but to enjoy the slide and your dolls’ pram!
We used to laugh and say that our happiest days were simply being together outdoors, whatever the weather, walking and chatting. I know you gained immense pleasure from watching Sadie have the best of times on your adventures together. Sadie has so many happy memories of muddy walks, swimming in refreshing streams, and chasing sticks and balls.
Birthdays were always special to you – and not because of the presents. They were about the coming together of family and friends to share a special experience, whether that was a theme park or simply a walk in the forest. It was about being present with one another and creating memories. The cake was always very important – and so was the banter!
So, Lily-May, I hope you have approved of my 20 Wrekin Walks for you, because every single one I have done has been with love in my heart for you. On each walk I have felt so grateful for the 17 years I was blessed to make memories and watch you blossom on this earth. I hope you have heard the many stories I have shared about you with friends and family who joined me on these walks. I hope you have felt the love that others have for you, and how deeply you touched so many people’s hearts in the 17 years we shared with you.
I have felt your love in the wind, rain and sunshine. Every time I have reached the summit and looked at the magnificent view, I have been mesmerised by it – but it has never come close to how your beautiful soul captivated my heart. It always made me think of you, and how blessed I am to be your mum.
Lily-May, I know that you walk beside me every single day and that our bond will never be broken. I know that you are with us in spirit today, and that you approve of us gathering friends and family to eat cake and think of you. I know that you have the kindest soul, and that the best present you could have on your 20th heavenly birthday is knowing that we have raised a significant amount of money for RoadPeace in your memory, and that through our Wrekin walks we have hopefully raised awareness of the dangers of being a passenger in a newly qualified driver’s car – and, in doing so, prevented future deaths.
I love you, Lily-May. You will always be my ray of sunshine, and I wish you a happy 20th heavenly birthday, as do all your friends and family who love and miss you beyond words.  Xxx

You can still support Leanne’s fundraiser by visiting her JustGiving page. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue our mission.

Updated on: 11 September 2025

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