RoadPeace Volunteer Blog – August Edition!

August 27, 2025

In this August 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

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt thanks and a warm welcome to Renetta Neal, who has generously taken on the role of London In-Person Support Group Facilitator. We are truly grateful to have her join our inspiring community of volunteers.

Here, in her own words, is a little about Renetta:

My name is Renetta, though most people know me as Netty. I’m a proud mother of five and grandmother to six, and I’ve been working as a Creative Counsellor for children, adolescents and adults for over 20 years. I’m also a Clinical Supervisor, supporting both students and qualified therapists, and have worked extensively with individuals and groups throughout my career.

My connection with RoadPeace began 19 months ago after the tragic loss of my youngest son, Connor, in a motorcycle crash involving only his vehicle. I was introduced to the organisation by the police, and the support I received during that devastating time was invaluable. Inspired by their compassion and the difference they made in my own life, I felt called to give back — offering my skills, knowledge, and lived experience to help others who have been affected by road crashes.

We are honoured that Renetta has chosen to share her expertise, compassion, and lived experience with the RoadPeace community, and we know she will make a meaningful difference to those she supports.

Welcome RoadPeace’s New Fundraising Executive

We are delighted to welcome Emma Sambrook to the RoadPeace team as our new Fundraising Executive. Emma brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, and we are excited to have her on board.

Here’s a message from Emma to introduce herself:

Hello everyone! I’m the Fundraising Executive, working hard to raise money for all the brilliant work RoadPeace does. This charity is especially close to my heart, as it allows me to support people affected in the same way I was as a very young child. I’ve been a fundraiser for over thirty years, working with charities across the country – most recently in the South West.

Outside of work, I’m quite sporty and enjoy both playing and watching a variety of activities, from badminton to running – come on Wales! I also volunteer for a local charity, so I truly understand how vital volunteers are in enabling charities to deliver their important work and share their experiences with others.

We are thrilled to welcome Emma to the team and look forward to working with her as she helps us grow our impact and reach even more people affected by road crashes.

RoadPeace Events

A Day of Remembrance at the RoadPeace Wood

RoadPeace volunteers, families, and supporters gathered at the RoadPeace Wood within the National Memorial Arboretum for a deeply moving Ceremony of Remembrance. The event offered both first-time attendees and returning participants a space to reflect on and honour lives lost or irrevocably changed by road crashes. Together, they shared personal stories, heard meaningful tributes including heartfelt readings by Helen and Mark Saltern, Vashti Styles, Amanda Cooper, Kate Uzzell, Kate Theedom, and Councillor Monica Stringfellow and were uplifted by choral renditions of Everglow, Visiting Hours, and We Light a Flame. Emergency services personnel also took part by reading aloud names of those remembered, while candles lit one by one symbolised individual memories, stories, and families.The service, guided by Rector Jeremy Allcock, reinforced our shared commitment to compassion, unity, and advocating for safer roads and reminded everyone that no one walks this journey alone.

RoadPeace at Southport Flower Show

Last weekend, our North West facilitator, Merlyn Kendell, led a team of dedicated volunteers in an outreach activity at the Southport Flower Show, which welcomed around 50,000 visitors.

The RoadPeace stand attracted dozens of people who were keen to learn more about our work. Several visitors expressed interest in fundraising, and one organisation – the Institute of Advanced Motorists – has even invited us to give a talk. Many others took away leaflets, and a number of enquiries were directed to our Helpline, ensuring vital information reached those who may need support.

Merlyn was joined over the four days by a fantastic team of volunteers: Shelagh Bright, May Hamilton, Sue Tootill, Terry Cunningham, and Sandra Thurm. Their commitment and warmth helped make the event such a success.

A huge thank you to everyone involved – this kind of outreach helps raise awareness, builds connections, and reminds us of the difference we can make together.

Special Visitors: Sue’s Upcoming Talk

31 August 2025, 10:00–11:00 AM
Sue’s upcoming talk will offer a fascinating reflection on our profound connection to Diana, Princess of Wales, and the lasting impact of her legacy.

👉 Click here to register for the event

RoadPeace Creativity

This section of the newsletter offers a space for you to share your creative projects and hobbies.

This month, our new London facilitator, Renetta Neal, has shared a poem she has written in honour of her son, Connor, who was killed in a crash on his motorbike in 2024. In her words:

“I wrote a poem which I would like to share, and an image of messages his family wrote on yellow tags to put on the railings outside where Connor grew up for him on his 2nd heavenly birthday (he would have been 27).”

‘I Am His Mum’

by Renetta Neal

For Connor, and for Carl, Glenn, Sian, and Tammy.

I am his mum—I’ll always be,

Though he’s no longer here with me.

My Connor, full of grace and fire,

A heart that held a deep desire.

He lived through music—low and sweet,

With every rhythm, every beat.

And oh, that song, he loved it so—

“Tennessee Whiskey” soft and slow.

He’d close his eyes and sing each line,

His voice like aged and golden wine.

A soul too tender for this place,

Now silence echoes in his space.

But four remain—my heart, my pride—

Carl, Glenn, Sian, and Tammy’s stride.

They stand with me through storm and sun,

And each still carries my lost one.

In Carl’s strong will, in Glenn’s calm tone,

In Sian’s deep care when I’m alone.

In Tammy’s light that fills a room—

They hold his echo, ease my gloom.

And sometimes, when the day is long,

I hear that slow and smoky song.

It drifts like him, both near and far—

My son, my sound, my guiding star.

I am his mum—through joy, through ache.

There’s nothing time or death could take.

For love, like music, never ends—

It plays in hearts, in notes, in friends.

So pour the night, and raise the glass—

To Connor’s song that couldn’t pass.

One child gone, but love remains—

Four still with me, through joy and pain.

And when I hear that whiskey tune,

He’s with me, always, in the room.

Thank you, Renetta, for this beautiful and moving contribution.

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

Please see below details of a series of free online seminars organised by the Good Grief Festival, including an especially relevant session on inquests taking place in March 2026:

UoB Grief Seminars: Prof Jessica Jacobson, Voicing Loss: Expectations & Experiences of Coroners’ Inquests
This presentation will discuss the Voicing Loss study and its implications for policy and practice. The study, carried out by the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research (Birkbeck, University of London) and the Centre for Death and Society (University of Bath), was based on interviews with bereaved people, coronial professionals, and others with experience of the inquest process.

👉 Find out more and book tickets here.

We encourage you to register for some of these seminars, and to share the details with your RoadPeace network.

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!