About The Fund
In the pain-filled months following Moira's death, as they awaited the trial of the killer, Moira’s family were bewildered, stunned and grieving terribly. They struggled on, each trying to help the other and they had wonderful support from family and friends. They did come to realise that they had resources enough to make some choices even though they could no longer go to work. They knew they had no control over the most important things in life but could afford to organise Moira’s Funeral, travel to the Memorial service, have a day or two away from home individually or together.
They became aware that many, in similar circumstances, would not have these resources and so could not make any choices, would struggle financially as well as emotionally. Statutory organisations and traumatic bereavement charities do wonderful work and help victims in practical and emotional ways. However, their funds are finite and restricted meaning victims sometimes may not get all the help they need and so suffer added distress.
Moira’s family received many beautiful letters after her death and her many friends spoke of her helpfulness and caring, her non-judgemental nature and help with all sorts of problems. The family put this together with the gaps they felt there were in the help systems available and decided that it would be very fitting to set up a grant-making charity in Moira’s name, The Moira Fund, so that those working with distressed families could provide for some of the those needs which would not otherwise be addressed. Working in partnership with other agencies The Moira Fund can provide the extra assistance that is not available elsewhere.
The Moira Fund makes grants to individuals referred through official organisations, the Police and Victim Support, and to those charities which care for families who have lost a loved one through murder or manslaughter.
The Moira Fund is wholly dependent on unpaid volunteers and fund-raising. The running costs are very low and any donation made will be used, almost entirely, to help those distressed through homicide.
People have been helped through The Moira Fund
People have joined in on Moira’s Run since it began
The value of grants awarded to families
How the fund has helped
Read some of the stories of how the fund has been used and continues to be a help in peoples time of bereavement
A Tree to Remember
When 88-year old widow, M... lost her daughter to violence, she asked for little. She wanted a little cherry tree in her daughter's name, one which all her family and grandchildren could visit, one which she could tend and watch flower and grow from her window. That wish was soon granted.
A Better Sleep
Soon after the devastating death of his son, G and his partner, the stepmum, separated and G moved into an empty flat. He was sleeping on the floor and struggling to cope.. We were pleased we could provide a bed and bedding to help him on his with his very difficult journey.
Far Distance from Home
When P,s partner was murdered he was buried where his parents were, a far distance from home. We paid for travel and accommodation for P and their 3 children to visit his grave for the first time on the anniversary of his death. This meant a huge lot to them.
A New Cooker
J.., a single mother of 2 lost her brother in dreadful circumstances and lost a sister.She was struggling to cope and then her cooker broke down ans was deemed unfixable. She was using a camping stove. When she heard we would pay for a new cooker she cried with relief.
A Moment of Peace Before the Storm
With the trial of F…’s father’s killer approaching, her two daughters and mother were overwhelmed by anxiety, grief, and confusion. We arranged for them to spend a few days away—a much-needed change of scene that offered solace, emotional breathing room, and the chance to regroup.
A Gentle Escape for a Grieving Family
E…, the brother and best friend of the victim, is a full-time dad to three boys. Hoping for a short break away from the trauma tied to the crime scene, he turned to The Moira Fund. We were honoured to make this possible—a restorative pause for a family in need of space and comfort.
Watch now on BBC iPlayer