Families Gather to Honour Loved Ones at 10th Annual Road Death Memorial Service
Families who have lost loved ones in road collisions across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and the Thames Valley are being invited to take part in special services this weekend to commemorate their lives and reflect on the lasting impact of road deaths within their communities.
The Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police will hold two memorial services this Sunday to support the families and friends of those who have died as a result of collisions on local roads.
This year marks two significant milestones — the 10th year that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has hosted its Road Death Memorial Service, and the 20th anniversary of Thames Valley Police’s own service.
In a moving video message — available to view via the Hampshire Constabulary webpage — Fran, who lost her daughter Amy in a road traffic collision in the Thames Valley area in 2019, shared what the memorial service means to her.
Fran said that taking part in the remembrance event provides “a chance for people of all walks of life or faith to come together under one roof, with the specific intention of remembering and thinking about the person they have lost — their loved ones and their families.”
Detective Chief Inspector Justin Thomas, of the Joint Roads Policing Unit, spoke about the deep and lasting impact of road deaths.
“Every life lost on our roads sends shockwaves far beyond the crash itself,” he said. “It shatters families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities, leaving scars that last a lifetime.
“These tragedies are never isolated; they create ripples of grief that touch countless lives. Our memorial services are a chance to pause, to honour those we’ve lost, and to stand with the loved ones left behind.
“They also remind us of the extraordinary professionalism and courage shown by the emergency services who face these heart-breaking scenes.”
The dedicated services will be held simultaneously at 2.30pm on Sunday, 16 November:
• The Hampshire and Isle of Wight service will take place at Christ Church, Christchurch Road, Winchester.
• The Thames Valley service will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Road, Thame, Oxfordshire.
Local dignitaries, roads policing officers, and personnel from the fire and ambulance services will also attend, paying tribute to those who have lost their lives and showing solidarity with their families.
The annual gatherings are intended not only as moments of reflection and remembrance but also as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to improve road safety and prevent further tragedies.