In this November edition, we reflect on the powerful work our volunteers have done, share their voices, and look ahead to what’s coming next in our journey for safer streets and remembrance.
Volunteer News & Appreciation
Kate Uzzell is this year’s recipient of the Mansoor Chaudhry Award
The amazing Kate Uzzell was presented with the prestigious Mansoor Chaudhry Award during the beautiful World Day of Remembrance service in Bath, which she has coordinated, by Steve Willams from HCC solicitors. The award is given to commemorate outstanding compassion and dedication to road crash victims. In her own words, below:
“During WDR Bath, the MC, Steve Williams HCC, deviated from the order of service to say we have an award to present. I’m thinking what could this be; as he spoke it slowly dawned on me – it was about me. I am shocked, surprised and very honoured and privileged to receive the Mansoor Chaudhry Award to commemorate outstanding compassion and dedication to road crash victims.
I do the work I do for RoadPeace, because when Martyn, my husband, was killed whilst cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats for charity, he hit a pothole and was thrown from his bike into the path of a car. I was devastated; every aspect of my life changed forever; I felt I was unable to talk about what had happened for fear of jeopardising any police investigation or potential court and legal processes. I wish I knew then about the existence of RoadPeace, a safe space to talk, and obtain advice and support, and campaign for changes to make the roads safer.
Prior to this sudden and traumatic event, I would never have stepped up and spoken in public, engaged with groups of people I don’t know. I found the value of the RoadPeace family. I am stronger, passionate and determined that others don’t find themselves feeling like I did. Martyn sits on my shoulder quietly supporting and encouraging me to take action that is out of my comfort zone. I have adopted the phrase ‘pull on your big girl pants’ to calm me when I find myself nervous.
There is so much work required to achieve safer roads and reduce the lives lost. My drive does not diminish, always on the lookout for opportunities to make a difference. If anyone has any ideas or contacts that would help raise awareness of RoadPeace in the South West, please let me know, we can work together.
A big thank you goes to the staff and volunteers, who are so supportive and full of wonderful advice. Together we can make a changes.”
Wishing you huge congratulations, Kate, as the deserving recipient of this award, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do.
Institute for Advanced Motorists
In November Kate Uzzell spoke to the Institute of Advanced Motorists in Newbury, to raise awareness of RoadPeace and the work we undertake. Leaflets were left for distribution locally and an MPs guide will be passed to Lee Dillon. The group donated £56 to RoadPeace. Thanks again, Kate.
Protect Young Drivers – Website Launch
On Monday 17th November the amazing Chris Taylor, our East Midlands volunteer facilitator, spoke at the launch of the Protect Young Drivers website.
Click on the links above to read some other accounts of the event on LinkedIn. You can visit the new website by clicking HERE.
Thank you, Chris, for speaking out.
CIHT Charity Dinner
Jwan Kamla, the chair of the East Midlands CIHT (Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation) chose RoadPeace as her charity for their dinner and awards ceremony on Thursday 13th November. Chris and Nicole Taylor were invited to attend. Jwan has raised £320 for RoadPeace – sincere thanks from all of us.
Road Safety GB 2025 Awards
On Tuesday 4th November the incredible Lucy Harrison received the Road Safety GB Community Award. We can all see the enormity of the care and energy Lucy puts into her volunteering with RoadPeace, and is a deserving winner of this special award – congratulations from all of us. At the ceremony the presentation of the award was accompanied by the following words:
“These group members have transformed their grief into action and measurable change, across a range of projects and initiatives. One example is ‘Peace in the Park’, a public art project combining remembrance with education. Created with bereaved families and young people convicted of road crimes via the Birmingham Youth Justice Service.
They work at every level – from one-to-one restorative justice to national policy discussions, and their impact is felt across the West Midlands, West Mercia and beyond.
They are not only supporting the prevention of re-offending and changing perceptions amongst young people, they are also shaping public and political understanding of road danger.
This award is an acknowledgment of the courage, compassion and determination that the group members show every day. They are living proof that when a community comes together, united by loss but driven by hope, it can change attitudes, influence policy and save lives.”
World Day of Remembrance; Sunday 16th November 2025
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and respect for all of you who organised, or participated in running, a service to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims earlier this month. You brought everything together, creating a space in which those killed and injured on the roads could be remembered and honoured; a time for those who attended to remember together, share their experiences, and be in a supportive community of peers. We know that the WDR services are important and meaningful events each year, which take time, care, thought and courage to organise, and we are truly grateful for your input.
Services orgainsed by volunteers took place in:
Northampton, organised by our East Midlands facilitator, Chris Taylor, with Nicole Taylor
Birmingham, organised by our West Midlands and West Mercia coordinator, Lucy Harrison
Bath, organised by our South West coordinator, Kate Uzzell
Liverpool, organised by our North West facilitator, Merlyn Kendall, with our former North West coordinator, Sandra Thurm
RoadPeace Creativity
‘The Bright Field’, by R. S. Thomas
I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the pearl
of great price, the one field that had
treasure in it. I realize now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it. Life is not hurrying
on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.
Submissions Welcome
If any of you have creative items that you would like us to include in forthcoming issues, we would welcome your ideas and will try to publish them over the coming months. Please don’t be shy! You don’t need to be a professional to share your work – everything is welcome, including photography. Please email nadia.morgan@roadpeace.org with your suggestions.
Additional Support Services
Grief Encounter aims to give every child and young person access to the best possible support following the death of someone close. They work closely with individuals, families, schools and professionals to offer a way through the anxiety, fear and isolation so often caused by grief.
Their services include:
- One-to-one counselling
- Group workshops
- Music, art and drama therapy
- Residentials and Family Fun Days
- Bespoke support for schools, universities and colleges
- A dedicated Trauma Team for support following a sudden or traumatic bereavement.
- Accredited training courses and webinars for professionals
-
Award-winning resources including our unique Grief Relief Kit, Grief Encounter Workbook and Journal
You can read more, and find our about upcoming events by visiting their website, HERE.
If you, or anyone you know, would ebefit from additional support over the coming month, The Compassionate Friends are holding a range of support groups for specific circumstances in December, including one for bereaved fathers, one for bereaved siblings, and one for parents bereaved of their only child or all of their children.
Please visit THIS PAGE to read more.
Volunteers – Please Log Your Time
Volunteer Hours
All volunteers are encouraged to log their hours on a monthly basis so we can be mindful of the committed work you are doing and ensure the right support is in place.
All Volunteers:
To log your hours please fill in our survey HERE.
Befrienders:
Please log your calls using THIS LINK.
Thank you for all you do. Stay tuned for next month’s blog — more inspiring stories and updates are on the way!
Updated on: 26 November 2025