Memorial bench unveiled in memory of loved ones lost in road traffic collisions

Local charity Life After unveiled a memorial bench in St Columb's Park on Saturday (May 27).

In April last year, the charity unveiled a memorial plaque and tree in St Columb's Park dedicated to all those lost in road traffic accidents including the loved ones of the families who are a part of Life After.

The bench will allow families to reflect and remember whilst paying tribute to their lost loved ones

The bench was unveiled next to the memorial plaque and tree at St Columbs Park House and was followed by a BBQ for all those in attendance.

The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Angela Dobbins, was in attendance alongside Cannon David McBeth and Father Sean O'Donnell. 

For the last six years, Life After has provided vital support to grieving families who have lost a loved one in a road traffic collision.

The charity fights for change on the roads, safer roads, encouraging safer driving and driver responsibility, and strives to bring change to the justice system for those charged with careless driving and driving offences.

The group continues to protest for stricter sentencing for so-called "killer drivers" across Derry and beyond.

Co-founder, Christopher Sherra rd, who sadly lost his father in August 2016 after he was killed by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, said: "Until the formation of Life After in 2017 by local families, there were no proper support packages in place and no where our families could visit which recognised their loved one and gave them comfort in knowing that they were not forgotten.

"Two youngsters have been buried in this city this last week alone because of road traffic collisions; it is absolutely terrible. We have lost so many lives to road traffic collisions in the last few years."

Christopher said the ceremony to unveil the bench next to the memorial plaque was lovely and will now provide a space for families to reflect and remember their loved ones.

He added: "Life After supports families from all over. We had families in attendance from Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Antrim, Fermanagh, Omagh, Strabane, Sion Mills, Limavady and our city.  

"It was a fantastic afternoon with music, raffles, a BBQ and entertainment for the kids. At the end of the event families tied Life After ribbons to our memorial tree in memory of their loved ones."

For more information regarding Life After, their work and the support they provide, please visit: https://www.facebook. com/LifeAfterrtc/

Debbie and her daughter Mia also presented £1000 from St. Mary's Limavady who raised this money in memory of their past student Keelan Mullan. They also presented Life After a grand total of £4770.23 raised by Debbie who completed her 120km walk in memory of her son Keelan's 10th anniversary. Life After Founder, Christopher Sherrard, pictured with them.