11 November 2003

Since the launch of the 'Remember Me' roadside memorials campaign on 31st August 2003, over 1,500 'Remember Me' signs have been placed nationally by members of RoadPeace to commemorate their loved ones. Across the country, the media has been filled with 'Remember Me' stories, 'Remember Me' signs have fuelled the debate on road safety and, remarkably, they have helped make RoadPeace the most written about charity in the UK*.

On 18th November, the 'Remember Me' campaign enters a major new phase with a projection of the 'Remember Me' image, together with photos of crash victims and statistics, onto the City Hall building in London.

The 200ft high projection, sponsored by Transport for London and carried out by the same company that handled the projection of images on Buckingham Palace during the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, will be visible across London. It will underline the significance of the 'Remember Me' image and the fact that it has, in just two months, become the victims' key focus in their fight for justice and recognition.

'Remember Me' Books - A Sign of Hope

RoadPeace is the only specialist charity working across the UK for and on behalf of bereaved and injured road traffic victims in the aftermath road crashes, yet, astonishingly, the organisation receives absolutely no statutory or motor industry funding.

Building on the visibility of the City Hall projection event, the 18th November will see the launch and signing of the first 'Remember Me' Books**. These will allow individuals and companies to sign their names, to record messages of support and to pledge a donation on behalf of RoadPeace, 'Remember Me' books will then be sent to over 2,000 members and supporters of RoadPeace during November.

Brigitte Chaudhry, National Secretary of RoadPeace, said:

"The 'Remember Me' sign has been a massive success and has proved to be immensely popular amongst our membership. We are now seeking to develop the campaign and to communicate the severe problems RoadPeace experiences when seeking funding, using 'Remember Me' Books to encourage individual, corporate and celebrity support."

"The 'Remember Me' Books offer victims the chance to pay tribute to their loved ones who were killed or severely injured in a road crash. They also give the opportunity for concerned members of the public to show their support for RoadPeace and to share their thoughts and feelings about the dangers we all face on the roads. We will also invite signatories to give a donation to RoadPeace in order to further our charity's important work."

Completed 'Remember Me' Books and the messages contained within will be used in exhibitions, parliamentary and ministerial meetings, to further assist the work of RoadPeace.

10 people die in crashes on UK roads every day - 3,500 a year.
Road Crashes are the most common cause of death and serious injury amongst men between the ages of 16 and 40.
In the past 100 years - 30million people have died in road crashes across the world.

Please support RoadPeace, the 'forgotten charity', and the people it represents, and add your name to RoadPeace's 'Remember Me' Books.

The 'Remember Me' campaign is a SWEETAPPLE idea given to RoadPeace in order to further the charity's work and to focus its fundraising efforts. SWEETAPPLE are the creators of the Peeball campaign for The Prostate Cancer Charity. The husband and wife team work with a variety of charitable and commercial organisations introducing ground breaking new ideas. info@sweetapple.co.uk

Contacts:

RoadPeace office 020 8838 5102
Brigitte Chaudhry 020 8964 1800

Sweetapple office 01438 718 007
Matthew Sweetapple 07956 137 541

Notes to editors:

* During September 2003 Remember Me/RoadPeace featured in over 300 newspaper articles and numerous TV and radio features.

** The first 'Remember Me' Books will be signed at a small ceremony at City Hall, London, to coincide with the projection of images between 5pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 18th November.