Donating a little can have a huge impact – that is the message from a journalist and domestic abuse charity patron who is backing our campaign in memory of a murdered Norwich mother.
We have vowed to raise £10,000 to try and ensure a new Leeway refuge can be kitted out in memory of Norwich woman Kerri McAuley who was murdered by her abusive former partner Joe Storey in January.
The campaign, which is being backed by Kerri's family, has also won the support of ITV News journalist Nina Nannar who is also a patron of Leeway.
She said: 'At the recent fundraising ball for Leeway, I was fortunate to meet Kerri McAuley's mother Lesley.
'She smiled gently as we discussed her hopes for the new domestic violence refuge in Norwich, in particular the garden she'd like to see there. Kerri loved gladioli, she told me, and lilies, it would be nice to see her favourite flowers there, in a place of safety.
'Her dignity was in stark contrast to the cruelty and brutality her daughter faced at the hands of her partner.
'Having a safe place is so important for those living with domestic violence - a place where they know, when they are ready, they can escape to.
'As a patron of Leeway, I have visited one of the charity's refuges in Norwich, and talked to some of the families there. It is a traumatic experience to leave a home, even though you are in danger there, to grab your children and run for safety.
'A refuge can never replace all the comforts of home but I saw a place that was warm and secure, a place where the children, often in shock, had toys to play with and good food to eat. Much of this is through the generosity of the public, recognising the need to help those in such a desperate situation as they try to rebuild their lives and support their loved ones.
'I have always been so moved by how much people care and give, how much we know that just donating a little can have a huge impact.'
Reporters at the paper will be taking to the streets in Norwich on Monday and Tuesday to collect for the campaign.
Kerri's Campaign
We have vowed to raise £10,000 to try and ensure a new Leeway refuge can be kitted out in memory of Norwich woman Kerri McAuley who was murdered by her former partner.
Kerri, 32, suffered 19 separate injuries to her head and face following a 'sustained and brutal' attack by serial abuser Joe Storey who then left her to die alone in her Norwich home in January this year.
Kerri's family - including mother Lesley - have given their support to the campaign and said the mother of two would have been proud of it.
To donate visit the Kerri's Campaign JustGiving page or alternatively send cheques, made payable to Archant Community Media Ltd, to Sandra Mackay at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE.
Alternatively, those wanting to donate can send cheques, made payable to Archant Community Media Ltd, to Sandra Mackay at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE.
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