Update 28.02.11 (older updates at bottom of page)

***NEWSFLASH***

TARGET REACHED - thanks to a couple of amazing last minute donations - (especially the guys & gals at REHAU) - we've done it.

We really can't thank everyone enough - & as well as the money we know that we've raised a lot of awareness for a dreadful issue so affects so many peoples lives.

THANK YOU ALL!

 This is our story, it's not very nice and it might upset you - but please read on as this is your chance to help someone who God forbid might be in the same situation.

In January 2010 our Mum, Carole, was brutally stabbed to death 99 times in her own home, she was only 57. On July 27th 2010 her husband was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to 23 years in prison.

In passing a life sentence the judge said "You murdered your wife in some of the most horrific circumstances imaginable. No one who has heard the evidence in this case cannot be shocked at the level of violence and injuries you inflicted. Those last few moments of her life must have been absolutely terrifying for her. It is quite impossible to imagine how anyone could have behaved as you did. One of her children has described this as an evil and despicable crime, and I agree. "

Until then we were a normal happy family just like everyone else. We'd resolved to see more of each other at New Year, laughed at the latest pictures of our beautiful niece & grand daughter, talked about all the snow that fell over christmas - all the things every family does. 

This tragedy has been absolutely devastating for every member of our family. We loved our Mum and spoke to her every week. How could we not have known something was wrong? We'll always wonder what could we have done if we'd known. Would she be alive today if we'd known, could we have done something to help & support her?

Sadly we've also come to discover that the tragedy that has befallen us happens to over 100 women each year. 100's of families are torn apart; in fact 1 in 4 women will be the victim of domestic abuse during their lifetime. 

Whilst we all think it couldn't happen to those we know the statistics tell a different story. Like our Mum most of these women are too scared to speak out  or they don't know that there is help out there for them. 

As the trial progressed a picture developed of an increasing pattern of abuse. First verbal abuse then bullying, escalating to physical, which then led to 2 charges of assault and finally to our Mum's  horrifically violent murder. 

Like many victims of domestic violence our Mum kept all of this hidden from us. Many, many women suffer emotional & physical abuse that can last years & do untold damage, a situation that is totally unacceptable.

Like any sons we thought we'd always protect our Mum and look after her in her old age but now that won't happen. She won’t see Danny get married or have kids, her grand-daughter won’t have her nana and my sister won’t have her constant source of guidance and re-assurance. Our 86 year old Grandad has had to bury his eldest daughter, a horror any parent can't express and my Mum’s sister and brother-in-law are left to pick up the pieces.

We're determined to do something to try & help someone else's Mum, someone's Sister, their daughter or friend, so that we can make sure they never have to go through the nightmare we've been through.