In 2016, Shaun Whiter’s life changed in an instant. A fit young man preparing for pre-season with Newmarket Town FC, Shaun had stopped to help his friend, Joey Abbs, change a tyre at the roadside. As he stood at the back of his car, a dangerous driver hit them – then drove off, leaving them for dead.
Miraculously, Shaun survived that night, but he lost both of his legs. The physical and mental challenges that followed were immense. Yet, what could have been the end of his story became the start of an extraordinary journey of resilience and purpose. Fitness had always been Shaun’s passion – it quite literally saved his life that night – and it became a driving force in his recovery. Since then, he’s continued to push boundaries, completing challenges such as the London Marathon and using his platform to raise awareness about road safety and the power of perseverance.
In 2023, Shaun began working with Matt Himsworth and Fraser Franks at B5 Consultancy, turning his passion for education into action. Together, they speak to young sportsmen and women about the consequences of dangerous driving, coping with adversity, and “flipping your narrative” when life takes you by surprise. One story that Shaun, Matt, and Fraser often share is that of Arron and Ben Peak—two young brothers who tragically lost their lives on their way to Silverstone, killed by a drunk driver who was a professional footballer. Their story serves as a heart-breaking reminder of how a single reckless choice behind the wheel can destroy lives forever.
IAM RoadSmart recently invited Shaun to take part in the RunFest Silverstone Half Marathon on 23 November 2025, which for Shaun felt like the perfect opportunity to honour Arron and Ben’s memory and raise awareness about the devastating consequences of dangerous driving. Shaun agreed immediately – but with one condition: Matt had to run it with him! The pair completed the challenge with Arron and Ben’s mother and sister in the crowd cheering the lads on, and they completed the race holding Manchester United shirts with the boys’ names and ages printed on their backs.
Founded in 1956, IAM RoadSmart has long championed safer driving and riding through education and training, believing that knowledge and awareness save lives. Shaun’s story is one of unimaginable loss turned into extraordinary purpose. Through his work, his resilience, and now his run at Silverstone, Shaun reminds us that every choice we make on the road matters – and that, together, we can prevent future tragedies.
You can back Shaun and Matt by donating to their campaign here. Every contribution supports IAM RoadSmart’s mission to make our roads safer for all through driver and rider education.
Story courtesy of B5 Consultancy.
