M5 recovery vehicle convoy to remember fallen colleagues

The M5 through Worcestershire glowed with emergency lights on Saturday (October 26) after more than a hundred recovery vehicles paid tribute to their fallen colleagues.

READ MORE: Touching moment convoy of recovery vehicles makes its way along M5 to honour 'hero'

Recovery vehicles gathered to remember their colleagues who died in service. (Image: Photography by Shelley ) Car horns honked and drivers waved as the convoy travelled southbound from Strensham Services up to Droitwich for those who had died serving on the motorway.

The event was held to continue the legacy of David Pickering, the former owner of Elite Recovery Midlands in Droitwich who died from Covid-19 in June.

Vehicles gathered from all over England. (Image: Photography by Shelley ) His daughter Gabrielle said recovery vehicles paid tribute to her father with a heartfelt M5 convoy and now they will annually do the same for those who died serving on our motorways.

"I think the recovery industry is quite forgotten," she said.

Recovery lorries lined up, ready for the M5 convoy. (Image: Photography by Shelley ) "You have front-line workers going out risking their lives but you also have those in recovery vehicles going out every day and risking their lives on the motorway.

"You hear about many people going out and dying on the roads and they go out to help someone and can end up worse off."

Lorries, vans and cars leaving Strensham Services. (Image: Photography by Shelley ) At 7pm, the convoy set off on its route up the motorway and was met with an outburst of support from the community.

Miss Pickering said every bridge they passed was packed full of people sharing their support and paying tribute to those who have died.

The motorway had glowed with recovery lights. (Image: Photography by Shelley ) "If my dad saw this he would be over the moon and really proud that something horrible has turned positive.

"He always wanted people to enjoy the recovery industry because it was his life and soul."

LEGACY: David with his daughter Hayley Waldron and Gabrielle Pickering. (Image: Jo Pickering) Recovery vehicle workers are often on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and sometimes work through holidays like Christmas. 

Miss Pickering said the convoy also allowed those to share their experiences and sometimes the trauma that comes with the job.

"We are now creating a community and an open area to talk and share different stories - it has also positively impacted all those involved."