Woodley Woman Supports Family of Murdered 17-Year-Old Teenager
Lorraine Beamish is raising funds for families affected by domestic violence through charity challenges.
Woodley, Wiltshire, Ellie Gould, Thomas Griffiths, Charity
Woodley: In 2019, Ellie Gould, 17, was tragically stabbed at her home in Calne, Wiltshire. Thomas Griffiths was responsible for her death.
After this heartbreaking event, Ellie’s mother, Carole Gould, started a charity called ‘Killed Women.’ This charity helps families of women murdered by their partners and advocates for longer sentences for offenders.
Lorraine Beamish is taking on two challenges to support this cause. She will swim 5.5 miles at Lake Coniston on June 21 and run the Henley Marathon on August 10.
Lorraine learned about Ellie’s death from her neighbors, who are Ellie’s aunt and uncle. She felt compelled to help the family during this difficult time.
She recalled, “When her uncle, Dave, came over to tell us, he was a broken man. It was awful hearing it because we didn’t know how to support them.”
Lorraine is motivated to complete these challenges because of her close bond with the family. She has been wild swimming for a while but faced challenges after complications from Covid.
“I had to learn to use one side of my body again. I’ve been working to regain my strength, and this will be a great challenge,” she said.
She believes in the charity’s mission. “This cause is so worthwhile and close to my heart,” she added.
Funds raised will help push for tougher laws against partners who murder women at home. It will also support families who have lost loved ones to violence.
Lorraine expressed her frustration with current sentencing laws. “It’s ridiculous that the sentence is so short for those who murder their partners at home,” she stated.
She noted that Ellie’s ex-boyfriend received only 12 and a half years in prison, which she finds unacceptable.
Lorraine believes changing these laws will help future families. “You can’t bring anyone back, but their lives should be valued,” she said.
She was inspired to take on these challenges after a conversation with Dave and Nic on New Year’s Eve. “I woke up on January 1, 2025, determined to do it,” she shared.
Lorraine is committed to supporting the charity in tribute to Ellie and her family. “I’m incredibly stubborn, so I will throw myself into it,” she concluded.