A grieving mum has described the pain that "is there all the time" after her son Andrew was killed in a crash.
The ECHO previously reported how Pauline Fielding treasures the last time she kissed her 18-year-old son after he died on the day of his exam results. After receiving a call from her husband to say her son Andrew had been taken to Arrowe Park Hospital after a crash one day in June 1994, it was worse than they thought.
Since that dreadful day, Pauline told the ECHO they have never been the same. She said: "A road crash changes your life forever. We have never been the same since Andrew died.
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"It has affected us in so many ways. We always have our memories of him, it's wonderful to have those memories, nobody can take those away but obviously the pain is there all the time."
Pauline joined RoadPeace - a charity supporting people bereaved or injured in crashes - where she became a trustee and North West coordinator. As well as campaigning to reduce road dangers, Pauline also organises remembrance events for the families who are " living a lifetime of devastation ".
Sunday, November 20 marks World Remembrance Day for road traffic victims and so bereaved families and friends are encouraged to come together for a service at St George's Hall in Liverpool. According to the World Health Organisation, around 1.3million people worldwide die each year as a result of road crashes as Pauline said the service is a way for families to pay tribute as well as raise awareness.
Inviting people to attend the service on Sunday, she said: "We found that being able to come together with other people who are in similar positions helps. We can support each other.
"Lots of people have told me that these groups have been a lifeline to them and without them it would have been far more difficult. They look forward to being able to meet other people who have been through similar things."
The service will be held at 1.30pm and is one of many being held across the world. Five doves will be released at the memorial to road crash victims in St. John’s Gardens behind St George’s Hall at 2.30pm.
The doves are released in memory of the five people on average who die daily on the roads of this country. The service will also allow families to thank emergency services and to reflect on what can be done to prevent further tragedy.
Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner added: "RoadPeace’s annual service of remembrance is a poignant opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives through road traffic crashes and their loved ones. So many people are affected by each and every death and it is vital that as a community we show they are in our thoughts and that support is always available."
The ECHO previously spoke to bereaved families who said their loved ones will "never be forgotten". A strategy has been developed by Merseyside Road Safety Partnership to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of Merseyside.
Deputy Chief Constable Ian Critchley said: "It is a privilege to be asked to attend the annual Roadpeace Day of Remembrance service. This day of reflection give us all an opportunity to remember those who have sadly lost their lives to road traffic collisions while offering support to their loved ones left behind.
"We know at first hand the devastating impact that road traffic collisions have on families and communities across Merseyside and I want to reassure the public that we are committed to working with our partners and all road users to continue to keep our roads safe and reduce serious incidents."
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