The family of Gracie Spinks 'determined' to fight for change after petition reaches milestone
Gracie died last year after being fatally attacked in a Derbyshire field
Last updated 7th Jan 2022
Campaigners say they're determined to keep fighting for change in memory of Chesterfield woman Gracie Spinks.
It's as a petition calling for the government to provide more funding for stalking advocates has now reached over 100,000 signatures.
The 23-year-old is believed to have been killed by a man from Sheffield who she had previously reported to police - his body was found close to where Gracie had died.
Gracie's mother Alison Heaton says she's 'over the moon' that the 100,000 mark has been passed:
"We've now passed the big, first hurdle and we'll keep putting pressure on the government so that no other family has to suffer this kind of trauma in future.
"Once we passed the 100,000 mark, my phone didn't stop buzzing. People in the local community have been really backing this."
Richard Spinks, who's Gracie's father, is determined for his late daughter to leave a legacy:
"It's time for change. What happened was so tragic, but I know some good and something positive will come out of this. That's our ongoing wish.
"We don't want anybody else to go through this. It's been a terrible time."
Meanwhile, Jackie Barnett-Wheatcroft, who began the 'Gracie's Law' campaign in 2021, admits there's still plenty left to do:
"Now we have 100,000 signatures, we need to keep fighting for more funding for stalking advocates.
"We're not there yet. This all means that it'll simply be considered for a debate, it's not to say that it will definitely be discussed. I won't stop until we get this law change though, even if I have to organise a rally down in London myself."