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
Starting a new school Fund
This is the time of year when many children are starting a new school and the expense of the necessary new uniforms puts much pressure on lots of families. This is made even harder when a family is devastated by the loss of a loved one, when jobs have been lost, health has suffered and every penny is already accounted for.
Running Free
Since the murder of their dad some months ago his three children, aged 2, 6 and 10, are being brought up by their grandmother, Julie. Since money is tight, and she has no transport anyway, it is very hard for her to manage any kind of day out for them all and she worries about that.
They are now excited to know that The Moira Fund has bought annual passes for them all for their nearest fantastic theme park. There are adventures there for all ages and their gran is so delighted that "they can run free and enjoy themselves for the day". We are very pleased to help, and wish them lots of lovely days out together.
Special memorial necklace Fund
When Sarah lost her toddler son she was totally devastated. She would not leave the house where there was so much evidence of happy times shared, because she felt she was going out without him and she took a picture of him to bed every night to cuddle so she could sleep.
Our wonderful TUI Holiday in Turkey 2024 Fund
Congratulations to delighted winner Michelle Hammer of Stenhousemuir and huge thanks to our amazing ticket-sellers everywhere who helped us raise a record-making amount, a superb £5464, to all who bought the tickets, and of course to TUI Holidays who generously provide this wonderful prize annually in Moira’s memory.
Watch now on BBC iPlayer