The family of Tracy O’Connell, who was murdered by her husband in April 2018, are raising awareness of domestic violence and funds to support local domestic violence charity, Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWA).
Tracy’s family, sister Alison O’Connell and daughter Kerry Ann O’Connell, are keen to widen understanding of the impact of domestic violence and increase awareness of the services available to help local women and children who share these experiences. The family, having set up Tracy’s Tribute Fund, is hosting a fundraising day on the 26th August to raise further funds to add to the £260 already donated by friends, family, and Tracy’s employers.
Alison said: “Tracy was such a fantastic mother and grandmother, someone who would do anything for anybody. In her memory and in celebration of her 52nd birthday, we will be hosting a fundraising day to raise vital funds for women and children using BSWA services.”
The day will kick-off with a men’s football match organised by Tracy’s son Lewis Cottrill between a team from DHL, who have said they will match the funds raised on the day, and Tracy’s Team, which includes the O’Connell family and friends. There will also be a 5-a-side female football tournament that will include 6 teams, with each player paying £10 to play. The local community has come together and helped support the family by offering auction and raffle prizes, face painting, a DJ, inflatable games for children, plus numerous stalls and food stands, all helping to boost the tribute fund.
Fantastic raffle prizes include signed England Women’s FA and Birmingham City Women’s FC T-shirts, UB40 Tribute tickets, hairdressing and spray tan vouchers and various sweet hampers.
The O’Connell family members welcome anyone who would like to come along to support them on their charity day, which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August, at Kingshurst Pavilions, Meriden Drive, from 12pm – 4pm.
Maureen Connolly, Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid, said, “We are honoured to be working alongside Alison and Kerry-Ann in memory of Tracy, whose death at the hands of her violent partner is a tragedy. We are very pleased and grateful that they have chosen to support us and hope the local community will join the O’Connell family on this special day as they celebrate the memory of their mother, sister and friend”.
Alison, Lewis and Kerry Ann are hoping to carry out more charity events, including a skydive in September, as well as making this fundraising day an annual event, a way to celebrate and remember Tracy around her birthday.
BSWA is the largest, holistic provider of support services to women and children who have experienced any form of violence across the Birmingham and Solihull Region, having supported 7,019 women and 4,135 children in the past year.
For any woman who is living with domestic violence, please do not hesitate to contact BSWA for support by calling the free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0028
