THE lives of people lost on the roads of Hampshire and Thames Valley will be commemorated at special ceremonies this month.

The joint operations roads policing unit will be holding two memorial services to support the family and friends of those who have died as a result of collisions on our roads.

The dedicated ceremonies will be held to mark the United Nations Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and it is believed that our unit is unique in honouring the day in such a way.

They will take place on November 19, one in Winchester and one in Thame, giving families from across the region the chance to remember their loved ones.

During the services, local dignitaries, police officers and colleagues from the ambulance and fire services will join the public in an Act of Commemoration.

Families who have attended previous services have found the event extremely comforting and described it as a “beautiful service”.

One family wrote: “‘Thank you for an absolutely beautiful and respectful service for road traffic victims. All of the family found the service very humbling and uplifting.”

While another added: “The opportunity to join with all who are affected by death on the roads is most helpful in the slow process of re-balancing after violent bereavement.”

Last year, 144 people were killed on the roads of Hampshire and the Thames Valley.

Dave Hardcastle, Assistant Chief Constable for the joint operations unit, said: “We believe it is very important for us to come together with our emergency service colleagues and bereaved families to remember those tragically lost on our roads.

“By organising these annual services we hope to offer support to families and friends of those no longer with us, giving them an opportunity to come together and take comfort from each other. It is also very poignant for our officers and other emergency service personnel who stand beside these families throughout the most difficult of times.

“We welcome anyone who has been affected by the loss of someone on our roads to join us for these moving ceremonies.”

The service in Winchester will take place at 2.30pm at Christ Church, Christchurch Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9SR. To attend this service, e-mail [email protected].

The service in Thame will take place at 3pm at St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3AJ. To attend this service, e-mail [email protected].