Mum looks to help others with domestic abuse after daughter’s murder

A woman whose daughter was murdered by her husband is to start training to help others see the signs of domestic abuse and signpost them towards help.

Annette Bramley, who lives in Holbeach, marked a year since the death of Holly on Sunday (March 17) by asking people to light a candle at 7pm and send her a picture of it.
She was overwhelmed with the response.
And she has continued to want to make a difference in the 26-year-old’s memory by becoming a ‘Domestic Abuse Champion’ as part of the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Services.
Annette will be trained in how to help others who are experiencing domestic abuse.
“I don’t think Holly even knew she was a victim of domestic abuse,” said Annette. “I’m going to be attending courses and working with health services to help others recognise the signs of domestic abuse and be able to signpost people to those who have the knowledge to provide the help that’s needed.
“It’s something Holly’s sister Sarah-Jayne did in her work as a midwife and health visitor and who encouraged me to do the same.”
Last month at Lincoln Crown Court Nicholas Metson (28), of Shuttleworth House in Lincoln pleaded guilty to killing Holly. He’d previously pleaded not guilty.
A second man, Joshua Hancock (28), of Walnut Close in Waddington, pleaded guilty to disposal of her corpse with intent to obstruct or prevent a coroner’s inquest.
Metson will be sentenced on April 5.
“Holly was lovely,” her mum said. “She was incredibly bubbly and chatty.
“You would describe her as friendly as she loved being with people and socialising.
“She particularly loved children and animals.”
Annette has lived in Holbeach for 24 years.
Holly grew up in the town attending William Stukeley Primary School and George Farmer Secondary (now University Academy Holbeach).
She moved out to live with her husband in Lincoln five years ago.
To mark a year since Holly’s death, Annette and some of Holly’s 13 siblings including one of her triplet brothers, laid flowers where her body was found and let off biodegradable balloons in Annette’s garden.
She couldn’t keep count of how many pictures of candles she received from people remembering Holly after an appeal on the Spotted Holbeach Facebook page.
“I was really amazed how supportive everyone has been.
“Even people I’ve never met who didn’t know Holly have shown their support.
“Nothing makes anything better but it’s heartening to know so many people had her in their thoughts.
“We’re a very close knit family and we’ve all rallied around and supported each other.”
For more on the signs of domestic abuse and where to get help, visit https://ldass.org.uk/