Making a Difference: A Reflection on ELY’s Impact and Partnerships in 2024
At The ELY Memorial Fund, we are dedicated to creating safer roads and supporting bereaved families. Since August, we’ve been proud to collaborate with RoadPeace, where we were warmly welcomed by Lucy Harrison, the West Mercia Project Outreach Coordinator. Lucy has helped us raise ELY’s profile through invitations to various events, enabling us to share our mission and the vital support our ‘HUGS pack’ provides to families experiencing loss.
Highlighting Our Work at National Events
On 6 November, we attended the National Road Safety Conference in Birmingham, where we presented ELY and our Young Driver Experience during a fringe event. This incredible opportunity allowed us to showcase our initiatives and speak directly with Lilian Greenwood, the new Minister for the Future of Roads at the Department of Transport. She listened intently as we discussed safer driving for young people and the impact of our ‘HUGS pack’.
Later in the month, on 17 November, we participated in the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a deeply moving event. As part of the ceremony, Ange and Diane read a poem in memory of Emma and Tom, with their photos displayed and names read out by the Fire Superintendent of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. This moment was profoundly emotional and reaffirmed our commitment to honouring those we’ve lost while working to save lives.
Building Stronger Partnerships
On 27 November, we attended a meeting at West Mercia Police HQ, Hindlip Hall, to hear about the new Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) led by Stephanie Arrowsmith. We learned how Traffic Officers and Family Liaison Officers work with victims and their families after serious incidents. Hearing the stories of other bereaved families was heart-wrenching but underscored the importance of our work.
Following this, we visited Hereford Police Station to meet Family Liaison and Traffic Investigation Officers, where we introduced our ‘HUGS pack’. This meeting was filled with optimism, and we left with strengthened working relationships and a shared vision for supporting bereaved families in the aftermath of road collisions.
Reflecting on Our Achievements
On 17 December, we joined West Mercia Police for their Christmas Carol Service at Hindlip Hall. This was a time of reflection for us, celebrating the progress we’ve made in 2024.
One of our proudest moments this year was being invited to speak at Hereford Cathedral School on 25 November—a significant step forward in spreading our road safety message.
As the year came to a close, we were reminded of the urgency of our mission. On 18th December, a young man tragically lost his life in a devastating collision. The outpouring of love and support for his family has been immense, and we remain committed to supporting our communities and preventing such heartbreak.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, we’re already preparing for a significant event in partnership with RoadPeace, West Mercia Police, and Herefordshire Council. More details to be revealed soon.
We’re also pleased to announce that our Young Driver Education programme will be taking place on 21-25 July 2025 – bookings are now open!
Save the date! We can confirm the following dates for 2025 events, with more being confirmed over the coming weeks.
ELY Music Bingo, Hereford Rugby Club – 25 April 2025
ELY Charity Golf Day, Burghill Valley Golf Club – 12 July 2025
ELY Charity Ball, Brinsop Court – 7 November 2025
These events will be available to book soon, keep an eye on our Events page and social media channels for more updates!
We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has supported ELY through donations, fundraising, and other contributions. Together, we are making a difference—educating young people, fostering safer driving habits, and are committed to our ambition that no family faces the devastation of losing a child.