Tricia's story
Tricia says she will always remember her volunteer's kindness and compassion
Related links:
"In September 2005 my beautiful 22-year-old daughter Clare was murdered by a man that she had dated for just three weeks."
"Shortly after that my grief and guilt at not being able to protect her was such that I tried counselling but it was a waste of time. The root of the problem, no one could solve; no-one could bring Clare back. The only people who could understand were those who had also lost a child in this way but there were practical things I could not face, including forms to fill in, some of which were too painful to read let alone fill in.
"Someone advised Victim Support and that’s when Lance came to see me. He is a volunteer for them. The first thing he said to me was that he had not experienced this situation but if I needed someone to listen to me, to shout at, to cry to, or any possible practical help, he was there for me. I could tell him to go or ask to see him any time and when I felt strong enough I could just tell him I didn’t need to see him anymore.
"Lance got me through one of the most painful stages in my bereavement by just quietly being there, taking away the pressure of form-filling and wanting nothing in return. I will always remember his kindness and compassion.
"I wanted to help other victims of stalking and harassment get the chance to move on with their lives, the chance that Clare didn't get - I am now involved in an organisation called Protection Against Stalking."