New Year Honours 2024: Joanna Simpson's mother appointed CBE

A woman who set up a domestic abuse charity after her daughter was killed by her estranged husband has been appointed CBE in the New Years Honours.

Joanna Simpson, 46, was bludgeoned to death by Robert Brown in Ascot, Berkshire, in October 2010.

Her mother, Diana Parkes, went on to be a co-founder of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, which provides support for vulnerable children.

Ms Parkes, from the Isle of Man, said the honour was a "huge surprise".

Ms Simpson was struck with a claw hammer by former airline pilot Brown during the attack, which happened while their two young children were still in the house.

"Whilst this honour is an occasion to celebrate, it is bittersweet as this would not have been possible had my daughter Jo not been brutally killed," said Ms Parkes.

"With this honour I vow to continue to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence and homicide on children, as well as violence against women."

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, co-founder of the charity and Ms Simpson's best friend, has also been appointed CBE for services to people affected by domestic abuse.

She said: "I was deeply moved and overwhelmed when I found out I was going to receive this honour - it would not be happening, and I would not be doing my work were it not for my beautiful friend Joanna Simpson."

Earlier this year, the pair successfully campaigned to block Brown's automatic release from jail after he completed half of his 24-year sentence for manslaughter.

He had been acquitted of murder after his lawyers argued he had been under great stress because of the couple's divorce proceedings.

Elsewhere in Berkshire, Geoff and Geraldine Booker, who recently moved to Pangbourne, have been appointed MBEs for services to the community of Kabubbu in Uganda.

The couple - now in their mid-70s - have regularly visited the rural village over the past 25 years and launched the GB Foundation, which they said has raised £10m.

They have helped develop a range of infrastructure and resources, including schools, health facilities, a church and community centre.

"It's an honour to be recognised for the work in Kabubbu," said Mr Booker.

"We really dedicate it to the people of Kabubbu who for 25 years have worked with us, and we also dedicate it to the hundreds of faithful donors at home and abroad."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].