RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair, as the organisation marks its 30th anniversary.
Petra Kendall-Raynor has been elected for a three-year term from February 2022.
Petra’s father Thomas died after being hit by a car when he was crossing a road as a pedestrian. She has been a RoadPeace trustee since September 2019.
Petra works as a journalist and brings her much appreciated commitment, knowledge and energy to the organisation.
She said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be voted in as the chair of RoadPeace and have an opportunity to work alongside the charity’s staff, local groups and a skilled and engaged board.
There are so many people who have been bereaved or injured as a result of road crashes and listening to our members’ voices should be at the heart of everything we do.
We have heard countless stories about the difficulties of navigating the criminal justice system in the midst of grief.
I hope in its 30th year and beyond RoadPeace can continue its fantastic work supporting people, collaborating and bringing about positive change.
We must strive to prevent needless injuries and deaths on the roads from happening in the first place.”
The Board of Trustees want to thank outgoing Chair, Cynthia Barlow for all her tireless efforts for RoadPeace and the important work that she has done for the charity over many years.
Cynthia, who has filled this position since 2006, is stepping down but will be continuing as a trustee.
She has campaigned about the dangers of HGVs following the death of her daughter Alex, aged 26.
Alex was cycling in the City of London when the driver of a concrete mixer lorry turned left across her path.
Cynthia was awarded an OBE for services to road safety in 2014.
RoadPeace CEO Nick Simmons said: “Our members, volunteers and staff are all so grateful for the leadership that Cynthia has provided to RoadPeace over almost two decades and are pleased that we will continue to benefit from her invaluable knowledge and expertise.
As RoadPeace prepares for the future, and whilst our members are disappointed that so many of the issues that were faced when our President, Brigitte Chaudhry formed RoadPeace in 1992 still remain, we are relieved to see some signs that post-crash road victim support is beginning to get the recognition and priority that it deserves. We are excited to be working with Petra to collectively better support victims and work toward Vision Zero.”
Updated on: 7 February 2022