London Marathon run in memory of murdered aunt Denise for Women’s Aid

Lisa Wallis is running the London Marathon in memory of Denise Williamson who was killed by her partner at their Hazelwood Drive address in July 2013.

The murder rocked the community when Denise’s partner Geoffrey Hemming, 52, finally admitted to killing her in a domestic dispute.

Now Lisa is taking on the challenge to raise money for Midlands Women’s Aid, a charity committed to helping women and children in domestic abuse situations with refuge, aid and support.

“We were just a normal family and things like this just didn’t happen to us, we said at the time,” said Lisa who lives at Thorneywood. “We just couldn’t believe that something so awful could happen within our own family.

“It was more shocking knowing who her murderer was and we saw no signs beforehand that this might happen.”

Lisa, who works in catering at New College Nottingham (NCN), is now committed to the 26.2 mile event which takes place on 26th April and is hoping to raise £1,000 for the Nottingham based charity.

“I was so excited when I heard I had got my place,” added Lisa who has applied five times before. “I was jumping around the room as it has been on my bucket list for some time.

“I went for a run that night and it was throwing it down with rain. Then a rainbow appeared as I was running through the Gedling area where my Aunt Denise spent most of her life. I saw it as a sign and decided to do the run for her.”

The 35 year-old signed up for Midlands Women’s Aid not only to financially help them but also to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

“You just don’t expect your partner to put a knife into you do you? - but it does happen.

“We’ll never really know what truly happened to my aunt that night but I hope that by reminding people about it could help other women before it’s too late.

“I don’t want another family to go through what we have.”

Lisa is organising a fundraising event on Thursday 5th February at NCN’s Adams Restaurant at 7pm. Tickets are £20 each and will include a five course meal and raffle with all proceeds to her marathon fund.

“I want to raise as much as I can for the charity as they are a local charity who get no government funding.”

To donate visit www.charitychoice.co.uk/fundraiser/lisawallisFor more information about the charity Lisa is supporting visit www.midlandswomensaid.org.uk/