For as long as I can remember I have always been aware of the importance of doing what is right. I have always stood up for those who are being mistreated and those who might not be able to stand up for themselves. And when the same treatment has been returned to me I have…
One year ago today SOB was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 26 years for the brutal murder of my Son. There he was right next to me, the man who took my child’s life. This was the first day of the trial which should have been three weeks. However, the trial…
Today marks five years that I have lived without Josh and, 1,825 days, 43,800 hours and 2,628,000, Josh has been denied his best life. As I write this blog, I am re-living five years ago at this time. I was standing across the road from where Josh lay waiting for the forensic team to come…
The 11th day of every month and for the rest of my life I will associate it with Josh’s last. Some days are much harder to cope with than others. This is because I live with Trauma, PTSD and Complicated Grief, all of which are debilitating, and impact on all areas of my life as…
Before Josh was murdered and denied his right to life, when he was taken from me and from all those who love him, I never truly understood the profound depth or impact that such an unresolvable and final act had on the secondary victims of crime, and no one more so than that of a…
Sitting still and taking time out for just 10 minutes a day can help us to connect with ourselves and reduce stress. Eating healthy and exercising regularly also helps us to cope with a host of mental health issues from anxiety, panic disorder and depression. Thinking positive thoughts and setting goals and tasks help with…
On today the 5th of July, in memory of Josh’s 5th Memorial Fundraiser we challenge you to #COMPLETETHECIRCUITFORJOSH Hello everyone I hope that you are all well. Usually around this time of the year we are planning our annual Memorial Football Tournament and Community Fun Day in memory of Josh. This year would have been…
Josh was known for not staying in or being in the same place for too long and, apart from when he was sleeping he was constantly on the go. I know that he would have still been working during the lockdown as he would have been a key worker who was providing an essential service.…
On 5th March the Government released the new consultation on improving the Victims’ Code. The Code is a statutory Government document which sets out the minimum level of services that victims of crime should receive from criminal justice agencies and other organisations in England and Wales. It enables victims to receive the information they need…
Today marks four years and seven months since Josh was taken from me by Shane O’Brien. A man with 17 previous convictions and who was known to the police. A prolific offender or a hardened criminal is a term that I have used for him when sharing Josh’s story in schools and colleges, but I…