Joanna Simpson: Mother recognised for domestic abuse work by PM

The mother of Joanna Simpson, who was bludgeoned to death by her estranged husband, has received an award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for her work with victims of domestic abuse.

Diana Parkes' daughter was beaten to death with a claw hammer in her family home in Berkshire in 2010.

She has received a Points of Light Award which recognise volunteers who make a change in their community.

Ms Parkes said she was "honoured and quite surprised".

Ms Parkes, from the Isle of Man, founded the Joanna Simpson Foundation, in memory of her daughter whose two children were in earshot when their mother was killed.

The foundation focuses on raising awareness of the effects of domestic violence, offers services for advice and support to carers and young people, and focuses on understanding how best to help children in these circumstances.

It works with a range of partners across the public, private and charitable sectors, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and has created legal guidance on domestic homicides.

Former British Airways captain, Robert Brown, who was convicted of Ms Simpson's manslaughter, was due to be freed in November after serving half of his 26-year jail sentence, however, his automatic release from prison was blocked by the government.

Brown killed the millionaire at her home when their two children were aged nine and 10, a court previously heard.

He buried her body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park before confessing to police the following day.

Ms Parkes said: "I am honoured and quite surprised to have become a recipient of the Points of Light Award.

"Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on survivors and their families.

"Hopefully I have helped to make a difference in encouraging conversations around domestic violence and I hope this award will spotlight the incredible work of the Joanna Simpson Foundation."

Ms Parkes is 2,184th recipient of the Points of Light award.

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