Claire McGrath and Sam Shrewsbury are two mothers who are living through every parent’s worst nightmare – the loss of their daughters to abusive partners. Their daughters, Keely Wilson and Jayden Parkinson, were both brutally murdered by the very people who were supposed to love and protect them.
For Claire McGrath, her daughter Keely was a victim of long-term domestic abuse that ultimately led to her tragic death at the hands of her partner, Anthony Davis. Despite not seeing the signs of abuse herself, Keely had suffered in silence for years. The horror of Keely’s murder and the realization that she had been a victim of coercive control left Claire shattered. The pain of losing her daughter to such violence is something that will never heal, and she now lives every day with a broken heart.
Similarly, Sam Shrewsbury’s daughter Jayden fell victim to the manipulative and abusive behavior of her partner, Ben Blakeley. Jayden was groomed from a young age and subjected to horrific physical and emotional abuse. Sam describes the pain of identifying her daughter’s battered body and the agony of knowing she will never meet her grandchild, as Jayden was pregnant at the time of her murder.
Both Claire and Sam are now advocating for the Brick by Brick campaign, a joint initiative by The Independent and Refuge, to raise funds to build safe spaces for women escaping domestic abuse. The overwhelming support for the campaign shows the urgent need for more refuge spaces to protect vulnerable women from abusive partners.
The heartbreaking stories of Claire and Sam highlight the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and communities. The trauma of losing a loved one to such violence is unimaginable, and the pain never truly goes away. These mothers are courageously sharing their stories to raise awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse, urging others to donate to the Brick by Brick campaign and help build a safer future for women in need.
The harrowing experiences of Claire McGrath and Sam Shrewsbury serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence and support victims in rebuilding their lives. Their strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy inspire us to take action and stand against abuse in all its forms. Let us join hands to support the Brick by Brick campaign and make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Together, we can create a world where no mother has to bury her daughter, and every woman can find safety and solace in times of need.
