In this heartfelt speech, Dave and Sue Evans share the story of their beloved son Simon, killed in a tragic road collision, and reflect on the profound impact of road deaths while urging action to make our roads safer for everyone.

Every statistic has a story behind it. A name. A face. A future that was never fulfilled. A life that was needlessly stolen way too soon.

Whether it is a child, parent, grandparent, a passenger in a car, a person commuting, a family member or friend not returning home, each life lost is a tragedy that ripples far and wide; we liken this to throwing a stone into a lake, the perpetual ripples are that of pain for all who knew them.

We remember them not as numbers, statistics, but as dearly loved people whose absence is felt by us all here today.

Our son, Simon, was a gentle giant, and old soul, who loved life, his family and friends; he would do anything for anyone. He had the biggest blue eyes matched only by his smile. He had his own unique sense of style, but as long as he was happy, that’s all that mattered. He always wore shorts even in 2 foot of snow, much to the puzzlement of his friends. He also loved my sketcher shoes, even though his friends thought they were his grandad’s (I like comfort and so did he). With his friends they all tried many hobbies together, bike rides, fishing, playing pool, golf, skateboarding, just to name but a few, they just loved spending time together.

He knew that being happy meant more than any level of status ever given him. This gave him a quiet, protective confidence, without ever being arrogant. He had time for people.

He was just starting to settle into doing what he loved. He was doing well at college, working towards gaining his mechanics qualifications, and worked part-time at a gastro-pub. He started off as a pot washer (though he was the only pot washer who avoided the act of actually washing up) and was given the opportunity to train as a comi chef. He fit so well in their team and was well liked and respected there. On 14th March 2025 he finished his shift at 10pm and said he would see them soon. He never got the chance. We never got the chance.

That night, 8 months ago today, we lost someone we loved to a road death. He was and will forever be 18 years old. He was an innocent passenger in a car, that was being driven recklessly, late at night, by an inexperienced young driver, who had only passed his test the day before. Simon asked him to slow down but the driver ignored him. He died instantly at the scene. The shock and pain associated with a road death is unbelievable. So much pain, so many questions unanswered. The rear passenger died the day after Simon, the driver the day after that. No criminal prosecution could take place. No justice for Simon, no accountability or responsibility taken for his loss of life, the loss of his future, our future. We felt totally bereft.

That experience changed us forever, as we are sure resonates with you all here today.

Every day is painful, but we are sure he is looking down on us proudly, knowing that what we are trying to do to bring awareness is important; it will help to protect future drivers and families from feeling our devastation and pain.

RoadPeace have been there to help, to guide and support us, in any way they could. It has deepened our resolve to speak out and to push for changes in areas we feel need to be improved locally and nationally. Paula Morris talked to us, introduced us to Lucy Harrison, who has been invaluable to our family. Putting us in contact with support groups, both in person and on zoom. Involving us in memorial services, making us feel that we were not on our own. As has been said many times before, RoadPeace is the family you had never wanted, but are now extremely grateful to have.

For us, remembrance is not passive, we feel it calls us to act, take action, to demand safer roads, better infrastructure, and stronger enforcement. To educate and to never accept road deaths as inevitable and acceptable.

Though today is marked by sorrow, it is also a testament to resilience, the courage of survivors, the strength of families and the compassion of communities where together, a future can be built where remembrance is not overshadowed by fresh grief but illuminated by progress, changes and protection of families and friends on our roads.

Thank you for listening today, we really appreciate it, and allowing us to being able to give you a brief reflection of our dear son, Simon.

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTON

Updated on: 9 December 2025