People from across the North East will join together for a special service at Durham Cathedral on 01 November 2014 to commemorate the victims of road crashes in the region.

According to data from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, in 2012, there were 1,754 fatalities and 23,039 serious injuries caused on UK roads.

The service is being arranged by RoadPeace North East, a group dedicated to supporting road crash victims and their families as part of a global movement.

Services are held across the world every November to remember those who have lost their lives or been seriously injured on the road, as well as seeking to raise awareness of the dangers roads represent to all who use them.

David Robinson, Chairman of RoadPeace North East and a serious injury solicitor based at Thompsons Solicitors’ Newcastle office, said: “It seems that every day there are reports of fatal and serious collisions on our region’s roads. Serious and fatal road collisions devastate families and communities. This service will be a time of reflection for all who have been affected by road collisions in our region.”

RoadPeace North East was established 18 months ago and has been campaigning for better road safety in the region by forging partnerships with local emergency services, who will also attend the service on 01 November.

“We are grateful for the support from our partners in the emergency services who are attending the service and who are positively engaging in a collaborative approach in respect of road safety,” continued David.

John and Janet Thompson from Belmont, who tragically lost their son Jake three years ago when he was struck by a lorry, said: “There is not a day that goes by when we don’t think about Jake, and we will bear the loss that we feel for the rest of our lives.

“We do, however, take great comfort in joining with other families, sharing their stories and supporting each other. This is the first time the service has been held in Durham Cathedral, but we hope that it will be Jake’s legacy that will continue for many years to come.”

The service will take place in Durham Cathedral on Saturday 01 November 2014 at 2.00pm. The service is designed for everyone, whether people have a faith or no faith. Everyone is welcome.