Kiena was a deeply loved daughter, sister, mum and friend, whose kindness, warmth and gentle nature touched so many lives. She was only 23 years old, but in that short time she gave so much love to the people around her. She was beautiful inside and out, fiercely loved by her family and friends, and adored most of all by her little girl.

To those who knew Kiena, she was caring, funny and full of life. She was the kind of person who put others before herself, loved deeply, and carried more than most people ever realised. She should still be here, raising her daughter, making memories with her family, and living the life she deserved.

Instead, Kiena’s life was tragically cut short after enduring prolonged domestic abuse at the hands of someone who was supposed to love her. Behind closed doors, she suffered horrific physical, emotional and psychological abuse. She asked for help, she tried to be heard, and she fought harder than anyone should ever have to. But like so many women, she was failed by the systems that should have protected her.

On 22nd July 2022, Kiena tragically took her own life after being pushed beyond what any person should ever have to endure. Before she died, she left words no family should ever have to read, words that made clear the pain she had been living through, but also the reason she wanted her story to matter. In her final note, Kiena wrote that she hoped her life would “save another by police services acting faster.” Even in her darkest moment, Kiena was thinking of someone else , hoping that if her life ended in tragedy, it might still be enough to protect another woman and stop another family from living this same heartbreak.

Kiena was, and always will be, so much more than the way she died. She was loved beyond words and she is missed every single day. This run is about remembering her for who she was, honouring her life, and making sure her name continues to stand for something powerful.

We are raising money in Kiena’s memory to support Women’s Aid , a charity that works tirelessly to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and to help them find safety, support and a future free from fear. We hope these funds will help other women access the support Kiena needed, be heard sooner, be protected faster, and never feel that they have nowhere left to turn.

Kiena’s Coastal 23km is more than a fundraiser. It is for Kiena. For her daughter. For her family. For every woman who has ever suffered in silence. And for every woman still fighting to be heard.

If Kiena’s story can help save even one life, then her voice will continue to make a difference 🩵