In the days following our terrible and sudden loss, my family and I received much needed support from our dedicated Police Family Liaison Officer. He informed us about Brake and provided their invaluable printed guide which answered so many imponderable questions for us.
As the weeks and months passed, I took up running as one of the ways of trying to deal with my grief, and as I became more aware of Brake and its activities, I realised I could help other people by raising financial support.
The first fundraising activity I took part in for Brake was in 2015, running in a 10k race in London with some friends in Joseph’s memory. Since then, I have completed many more runs up and down the country as well as taking part in sponsored abseiling, zip wire challenges and organising concerts and other events for charity. More recently, along with my youngest son Edward, I completed the London 2021 Marathon which was a truly emotional and unforgettable experience.
Through our activities, along with family and friends we have raised tens of thousands of pounds to support Brake’s mission of helping people affected by road crashes, and campaigning to end deaths and serious injuries on the roads.
In the last few years, I have become more involved in supporting Brake by representing the charity at events and raising awareness about the charity’s work and road safety measures that could help save more lives, such as graduated driver licensing. I also plan to continue raising money for Brake and I am always on the lookout for different fundraising opportunities, to engage more and more people.
The way I look at it, if my activities make just one person stop and think - or raise road safety awareness so a pedestrian doesn’t get hit by a car – then it will all have been worth it. In a wider context, I hope I can help make people aware of their responsibilities on the road and to make our communities a safer place for all road users and pedestrians.
This blog is published for Road Safety Week 2021 in celebration of the road safety heroes who help us make safe and healthy journeys and support people after road crashes. Click here to find out more and sign up to take part.
Graham Tyers
Campaigner and fundraiser, Brake