A CANDLELIGHT vigil will be held at Barnsley Town Hall this evening to mark the tenth anniversary of the devastating deaths of two young Penistone boys.
Mum Claire Throssell MBE began her campaign two years after the deaths of Jack and Paul, aged nine and 12 respectively, who died in a house fire started by her estranged husband in Penistone on October 22.
The vigil will take place at 6pm and all are encouraged to attend.
It’s supported by local domestic abuse charity IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) who support over 10,000 people each year in the community and campaign for family court reforms to ensure the safety of victims and their children.
Sarah Hill, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Jack and Paul’s mum, Claire Throssell, is an inspirational campaigner for the voice of children in family court proceedings.
“We stand alongside her and invite the community to join us in person, or online, to show solidarity with Claire, her boys and the campaign to keep children safe in family court proceedings.
“Together we will shine a light on all the mothers and children who feel voiceless in the family courts.”
Women’s Aid is also supporting the vigil.
They launched the ‘Child First’ campaign in 2016, calling on the government and family courts to ensure there are no further avoidable child deaths because of unsafe child contact with an abusive parent.
Chief executive Farah Nazeer added: “Women’s Aid stands in solidarity with Claire as the community comes together to commemorate ten years since the tragic killings of Jack and Paul.
“Her work has already had a significant impact in the family courts for women and children, but there is so much more still to do, and Claire’s commitment and resolve continues.
“I speak on behalf of everyone at Women’s Aid when I say that we are in awe of Claire’s tireless campaigning to protect all children from harm and are proud and committed to supporting her in this work.”
