Light a candle for drink-drive victims

Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 07:29

CITY mother and anti-drink drive campaigner Ali Morrish has asked people to join her in a moment of reflection as the new year gets under way.

As the celebrations end and thoughts turn to resolutions for 2010, Ali will be lighting a candle at 6pm on New Year’s Day and taking a moment to remember the lives that have been lost as a result of drink-driving.

Ali’s daughter Anna died in a crash in 2008. The 21-year-old had accepted a lift from a friend who had been drinking.

Since its launch in the Echo nearly three weeks ago, Ali, 45, of Mount Pleasant, Exeter, has been urging people to join Anna’s Campaign. Support from within the community and further afield has been overwhelming.

More than 1,500 have signed up to a Facebook group and businesses, clubs, other families, friends, emergency services, driving instructors and convicted drink-drivers have all put their weight behind the campaign.

The campaign will continue throughout the new year with regular features and updates on the progress of the campaign in the Echo.

Ali is now urging everyone to take a moment out of their day at the start of the new year to contemplate the tragic consequences of getting behind the wheel while drinking, or accepting a lift from someone under the influence.

She said: “I will be lighting a candle for Anna at 6pm on New Year’s Day and thought it would be a nice idea if others would like to do the same on that day to remember not just Anna, but everyone who has died as a result of drink-driving. It would be a chance to stop and reflect on the dangers of drink-driving as we start the new year.

“This is a time of great hope and commitment, so it is an ideal opportunity for people to stop and think about the consequences and pledge not to drink and drive in the future.

“It will be another way of bringing focus on the campaign and if it can save just one life it will all be worth it.”

Several churches around Exeter have areas where candles can be lit, but Ali said people could just pause in their own homes at 6pm for a moment of quiet reflection.

If anyone does want to venture out on New Year’s Day, The Dean of Exeter Cathedral Jonathan Meyrick said they would be more than welcome, but would have to arrive a bit earlier. He said: “We have several stations around the cathedral were people can light candles for whatever is in their hearts, minds and prayers, and we would welcome supporters of Anna’s Campaign during any of our opening hours.

On New Year’s Day we have a service at 11am so I would say the best time to come would be between noon and 4pm when we close.

“I think there is no doubt people go over the top with their drinking and too many people are not careful enough to consider whether or not they are safe to drive.

“This can lead to grief for families that is utterly unnecessary.”