Bobby Colleran was a bright, loving, and energetic six-year-old boy from Liverpool. He was full of life, with a huge smile and a kind heart that made him loved by all who knew him. Bobby had a passion for playing football, spending time with his family, and making people laugh.
On October 24, 2014, while walking home from school, Bobby was tragically killed in a road accident on Leyfield Road, West Derby. His devastating loss left a hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and community, but it also ignited a movement to make the roads safer for all children.
💙 Bobby’s name will always stand for safety, love, and protection.
Bobby’s passing highlighted the urgent need for safer roads outside schools. His family launched the "Slow Down for Bobby" campaign to raise awareness and push for Bobby Zones—dedicated 20 mph safety zones around schools to protect children. Since then, we have worked tirelessly with schools, councils, and communities across the UK to introduce better road safety measures, educational programs, and awareness campaigns.
Through our work, we realized that many children and families also struggle with grief, trauma, and mental health challenges—not just after tragic accidents, but in everyday life. In response, we launched the "Take Care for Bobby" initiative, providing specialist counselling and emotional support for children dealing with bereavement and trauma.
In March 2023, after years of fundraising and dedication, we opened Bobby’s Base, a unique health and well-being centre in West Derby, Liverpool. This one-of-a-kind, child-friendly space offers therapy, a sensory garden, and a calm, nurturing environment where children can heal, build resilience, and regain confidence.
Written by Bobby's Mum, Joanne.
Where do I begin? How can I put into words how perfect my little boy was? How his unique character made everyone that met him fall in love with him. He was special in every way, a little old man who made us laugh every day. He was cheeky but charming.
His voice—“That’s my bruva,” “Best in the world,” “Nan, is that fair?”—made him even cuter, but like a little rebel. He loved to play and would spend hours in his bedroom with his police figures. One day, he said to me, “Mum, when I’m big, I’m gonna be a robber ’cause they get loads of money… or maybe one of them men that cut the grass with the little cars.” All I could do was laugh.
He loved his family and friends. Even though he was tough, he had the biggest, most caring heart and always stood up for what was right. He would never let anyone be upset or alone.
He loved cowboys and Indians. Just before his 6th birthday, he decided he wanted a white Lone Ranger hat. Out of sheer luck, I found one in the Disney shop (how, I will never know). This made his birthday perfect, along with his motorbike pedal bike and his motorbike helmet. He was a proper little boy who loved all things like this. But he would also often play outside by his house, happily pushing dolls’ prams or riding the Disney princess quad. Bobby was his own person and didn’t care what anyone thought.
He was the middle child—Harry, his “big bruva,” and his “twinnies,” his little brothers. He loved his brothers so much. He could be grown up with Harry or silly with his twinnies. He loved being a big brother, especially to twins, and would tell everyone about them at school. When they started at his school, he would stand by the nursery railings every day at playtime to check they were okay and talk to them.
He was good at football. When he got into a team, he was so excited—“Just like our Arry!” But it didn’t last long because, if it was wet or cold, he would say, “I’m not going out, it’s too cold,” and stay in the house in his favourite clothes… his pyjamas! He would play Xbox for hours.
He loved coming shopping with me. He would help pack my bags and carry them out of the shop. Even though they were too heavy for him, he would never give up—he just loved to help and look after his mum.
He adored his dad, especially his tickles at night after his bath. He would giggle for hours.
His Granddad Richie was like his best friend; they were so alike. “Grandy” loved Bobby’s cheeky character because it made him laugh—he would even encourage Bobby!
I hope this does Bobby justice and describes his personality because he really was a one-of-a-kind, special little boy who loved life.
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