A REMEMBRANCE tree in honour of road crash victims and their families is being placed in one of Redditch’s parks, writes Isabel Matthews.
In addition to the tree at the Boathouse Cafe at Arrow Valley Visitor Centre (AVCC), the Palace Theatre, bandstand and fountains in Church Green will be lit up in purple to mark the event.
From November 14, for two weeks, visitors to Arrow Valley will be able to write tribute notes to loved ones, friends and family members who were victims to road collisions and can hang them on the tree.
After the fortnight, the messages will be transferred to book of remembrance.
The decision was taken at the Redditch Borough Council meeting on Monday when leader, Coun Sharon Harvey, asked members to support the charity RoadPeace on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims.
Coun Harvey said: “The council is committed to acknowledging the terrible impact which road traffic crashes can have on families, loved ones and victims and this tree can provide a space for people to leave messages of love to all those who are affected.”
Ben Clawson-Chan is the managing director of Rubicon Leisure which runs the Boathouse Cafe at AVCC and the Palace Theatre.
He said: “I am delighted we can continue to highlight the important work of this charity which provided invaluable support to those bereaved or seriously injured following road crashes.”
RoadPeace is the national charity for road collision victims across the country, including the West Midlands and West Mercia Police areas.
The charity provides support to those bereaved or seriously injured through road crashes and strives to reduce road danger, giving a voice to the victims and helping create safer communities for everyone.
RoadPeace’s justice and outreach manager, Lucy Harrison, said: “Not only do we remember those who have had their lives taken or forever changed through a road crash, but we want to honour the vital work of emergency services, call for action to prevent further tragedies and support for our communities.
“The support of the council and Rubicon Leisure means so much to use as charity and helps us to highlight not just this global day of remembrance but to demonstrate the support we offer all year round.”
Call 020 7733 1603 or email [email protected] for general inquires about the charity or for support call 0800 160 1069 or email: [email protected] for the helpline.
