A WIRRAL mum, who spearheaded a 26-year campaign for road safety measures at a dangerous junction in Neston after her son's death, has received a posthumous honour from Merseyside Police.

Pauline Fielding MBE - who died earlier this year - was honoured with a Special Recognition Award in memory of her work during Merseyside Police’s annual ‘Community First Awards’ which took place on Tuesday night (November 14).

A trustee for the national charity RoadPeace, Pauline had fought for safer roads and better support for road crash victims.

Her resolve to prevent death and injury began in 1994 when her 18-year-old son Andrew was killed in a collision when travelling to a football match with friends in 1994.

Pauline, from Heswall, was awarded an MBE for her work in the New Year's Honours list in December 2020. In March, her commitment and dedication to making the region's roads safer for more than two decades was recognised with a Commendation from Merseyside Police.

The nomination for Pauline’s posthumous honour read: “Pauline was an active, passionate and committed member of the Merseyside Police Independent Advisory Group and an avid road safety campaigner after her 18-year-old son, Andrew, was killed in a road traffic collision in 1994.

“The driver did not stop and was never located. Following Andrew’s death, Pauline has fought for changes at the junction where the collision occurred and successfully campaigned for the speed limit on the road to be reduced from 60mph to 40mph.

“Determined to campaign to prevent the same thing happening to others, she joined RoadPeace, a charity supporting road crash victims.

"Through RoadPeace, she was invited with another bereaved member to speak to Merseyside Police about their experiences and the effect on them and their families.

"Following their input, Merseyside Police decided to assign Family Liaison Officers to those bereaved through road crashes.

“Pauline embraced the prevention ethos, attending and contributing to the external launch of the force’s community event and was tireless in her approach.

"She always gave encouragement and inspiration to all that met her. Pauline was an inspiration to all and has achieved so much through her selfless volunteering.

"She always considered others over herself, and this did not waiver throughout her life, even during her illness."

The ‘Community First Awards’ recognise police officers, staff, volunteers and community partners for their dedication, bravery and professionalism.

The ceremony, now in its sixth year, was held at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool city centre and saw members of the force awarded for a range of achievements.

Partner agency professionals, volunteers and community leaders were also recognised for their invaluable work alongside the police and their commitment to supporting our communities, preventing crime, protecting people, and pursuing offenders in Merseyside.

Merseyside's Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who presented the awards, described the evening as a showcase of the sterling work carried out by officers and staff across the force.

She said: "I’m really proud of the officers, staff and volunteers who work for Merseyside Police and also our partners and members of our community who are vital to the success of Merseyside Police.

"This annual awards ceremony gives us the chance to recognise some of the amazing work that has been carried out across the force and to say thank you.

"The people who have won awards tonight have all shown their personal commitment and dedication to keeping communities across Merseyside safe through their exceptional work."

“I would again like to wholeheartedly thank and congratulate the winners and nominees. I am incredibly proud to work with such inspirational individuals and I am extremely pleased that last night their achievements were recognised as deserved.”

The award winners were:

  • Support victims and vulnerable people award: Police staff investigator Kate Gore
  • The Chief Constable’s Award: Constable Mark Hobin
  • Community Engagement Award: Sergeant Rachel Hassett
  • Community First Partnership Award: Chief Constable and Police & Crime Commissioner’s ‘She Inspires’ Football Programme
  • Healthy Organisation Award – Innovation & Efficiency – Jamie Molloy and Rachel McEvoy
  • Healthy People Award – Diversity and Inclusion: Police Race Action Plan Team
  • Healthy People Award – Wellbeing: Sergeant Ste Holmes
  • Special Recognition Award: Pauline Fielding MBE
  • Specialist Capabilities Award: Eagleye/Automatic Number Plate Recognition
  • Leadership and Me – Police Volunteer of the Year Award: Karen Jones

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "The Community First Awards are a fantastic celebration of the incredible bravery, dedication and selflessness Merseyside Police officers, staff and volunteers demonstrate day in day out serving our communities..”