I want to tell you about a really unusual and special way of raising funds for RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims.
I went into Altcourse Prison in Liverpool on Friday 12th March.
Some of the inmates were undertaking a 20 mile Triathlon to raise funds for RoadPeace. There were two teams competing against each other. One led by their fitness instructor, Robbi Biddulph; the other by the chaplain, Martin Earl, who lost his brother in a road crash. In so doing, these prisoners are exhibiting remorse for their actions, attempting to redeem themselves by helping victims of similar crimes and, most importantly, sending a clear message not to drive as they did. I have, for many years, sought an opportunity for serious driving offenders to do something like this and finally it is here. The idea came from the prisoners themselves. I was very impressed with how hard they worked to train for and complete this test of pain and endurance. I had an opportunity to talk to some of the individuals. They are genuinely sorry for what they have done and are doing their best to make amends and do something positive for society.
Each of us has a 1 in 75 chance of losing a family member in a road collision. My son, Nathan, was run over and killed at Christmas 2000. I hope none of you experience the same pain. Unfortunately, in the UK, seven families do every day. That is when they need the emotional and practical support RoadPeace provides. When you suffer a sudden, unexpected and violent bereavement you need someone who can be a listening ear, a guide through the paperwork and legalities, a companion to an inquest or trial, and much more. The volunteer befrienders of RoadPeace can provide this service because we've all been through something similar and can truly empathise with what is required. RoadPeace's campaigning for greater road safety is partly responsible for the fact that we've now got road fatalities and injuries down to the current level. Not that we're satisfied with those figures.
RoadPeace receives no government support, even though we often assist with their decision making processes. Most of the money that helps to run our office, website and helpline comes from the families who've suffered road trauma, with a little sponsorship from a few firms around the country.
So, now comes the bit where I ask for money.
The prisoners, fellow inmates, their families and guards will be sponsoring the competitors. The prison director has promised £250 to start us off. If any of you would be so generous as to sponsor the prisoners in their efforts to raise funds for RoadPeace we would all be most grateful for your kindness. Even better, if you could tell as many people as you can, to help generate even more in the coffers, that would be brilliant.
Thanking you in advance for your generosity (no amount is too small and no amount is too large). Please help make this unique event even more memorable by helping us to raise an astonishing amount of cash. If you are a UK tax payer please use gift aid. This turns every £10 you give into nearly £12 for RoadPeace.
Please go to the RoadPeace website www.roadpeace.org to find out more.
Best wishes and many thanks,
David Midmer
