The family of a “much-loved father, grandfather and brother” from Oldham who was killed by a speeding driver are backing a powerful campaign to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of speeding.
No More Flowers uses the all-too-common image of roadside flowers that are often left by families and friends near the scenes of fatal collisions as a way of providing a visible, poignant tribute to a loved one who has lost their life.
A floral installation was unveiled in Manchester city centre today yesterday representing the 154 people aged between 17 and 25 who were killed or suffered life-changing injuries between 2020 and 2023 as a result of a collision involving a speeding driver.
Roadside tributes also serve as an effective warning to road users of the impact of driving dangerously.
It’s a message that sadly resonates all too well with the family of Mark Armstrong. They want no other family to have to leave their own flowers and live with the devastating consequences of driving at excessive speeds.
On the evening of Friday 8th October 2021, Mark was walking along Broadway in Chadderton when he was struck by a vehicle being driven by Muhammed Numan Ahmad at speeds of up to 60mph – above the 40mph limit. Sadly, Mark suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.
Joanne Briggs, Mark’s daughter, said “My Dad was a much-loved father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
“His life was cruelly and needlessly cut short due to the reckless actions of a young man who treated a public road like a racetrack. Speeding has consequences.
“We urge all drivers to think twice about their actions behind the wheel, and we want everyone to realise that risk-taking behaviour devastates families and ruins lives.”
On 13th June this year Ahmad, who was 22 at the time of the incident, was jailed for seven years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
Figures show that men between the ages of 20 and 29 are most likely to cause collisions due to speeding in Greater Manchester. While No More Flowers is aimed at all road users, families are urged to speak to their loved ones about the potentially catastrophic consequences of speeding.
Joanne added:
“Our family has changed forever. This normally happens in films, not in real life, and we continue to live with the pain of losing Dad every single day.
“We left flowers near where my dad died, we want to be in a place where no one needs to place flowers at the roadside – ever again. Please, slow down.”
