A KIDDERMINSTER mum, whose daughter was killed in a car crash at the age of 17, has completed her 20th climb up The Wrekin to mark what would have been Lily-May’s 20th birthday.
On Tuesday, Leanne Vaughan walked the Shropshire landmark for the final time in her year-long challenge to honour Lily-May.
The crash happened on February 4, 2023, when the car she was a passenger in collided with a telegraph pole on a country lane at Shawbury Heath, near Shrewsbury.
Her boyfriend, Logan Addison, who was driving, was later found guilty of causing her death by dangerous driving and was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court in June this year to five years and six months in prison.
Leanne said completing the 20th walk to mark her daughter’s ‘heavenly birthday’ was deeply emotional.
She said: “It’s going to be emotional because she should be here with me.
“Grief is just love with nowhere to go, really.
“It was really sudden and unexpected so the walk has been a way of remembering Lily-May.”
Walking through grief
Since January, Leanne has taken on the climbs in memory of Lily-May, raising funds for the national charity RoadPeace, which has supported her since her daughter’s death.
She said the walks helped her feel closer to Lily-May.
“Lily-May and I absolutely loved walking together with our cocker spaniel Sadie, so walking in nature really helps me connect to her and feel like I’m close to her.
“I’ve seen the seasons change with each walk and different friends and family have joined me.
“It’s felt like a celebration of Lily-May’s life.”
Leanne described her daughter as a ‘ray of sunshine’ and said her memory continued to inspire others.
Representatives from RoadPeace West Midlands and West Mercia joined Leanne and her family on the final day of the walk.
Posting on Facebook, the charity said: “Everybody did so well, supporting each other to complete the walk, and being together in solidarity with Leanne’s family.”
“We are so proud of and thankful to Leanne and all her family.”
Leanne bravely read a letter she had written to her daughter and there was a raffle in which the prizes were items featuring Lily-May’s stunning artwork.
Campaigning for change
As well as fundraising, Leanne has been working with RoadPeace to campaign for new laws aimed at reducing road dangers for young drivers and passengers.
She said: “I want legislation to change, because I think our current rules are outdated.
“Lily-May was such a happy, vibrant, positive girl and I feel her energy is still in this world.
“Through her, I want people to learn, and I hope to help save future lives.”
The Department for Transport previously said it was developing a new road safety strategy and regularly met with families affected by road collisions.
Leanne hopes her campaign will mean Lily-May’s death is not in vain.
She said: “I wanted to raise awareness for the fact that road collisions are the biggest killers for young people and I didn’t realise this until I lost Lily-May in such a tragic way.
“At the same time as fundraising, I want people to understand the dangers of being a passenger in a newly qualified driver’s car.
“RoadPeace have been a lifeline to me, offering emotional support as well as help during the criminal investigation.
“This challenge was a way to give back – and to make sure Lily-May is always remembered.”
