The family of Gracie Spinks insist they 'won't rest' until stalking prevention resources are bolstered
A vigil was held last night in Old Whittington to remember Gracie on what would've been her 24th birthday
Last updated 20th Oct 2021
An emotional plea has been made by the family of Gracie Spinks following her death in Duckmanton earlier this year.
The then 23-year-old was killed in June by a man who'd become infatuated by her.
He was later found dead in a field close to where Gracie was fatally attacked.
Now Gracie's family are calling on people to sign a petition which could lead to police forces across the country receiving more funds for staff specifically trained to handle stalking complaints.
Her brother Tom was speaking about this at a Candlelit vigil in Old Whittington last night, to mark what would've been Gracie's 24th birthday:
"Gracie was literally just doing what she did every day. She just went up to visit her horse Paddy to feed him before she went to work.
"That's all Gracie was doing, and she ended up getting killed.
"Things need to be put in place so that these things don't happen.
"Please share this petition, sign this petition, tell everyone about it, because unless we get 100,000 signatures before the end of the year, the debate won't even reach parliament, and then nothing will change.
"I've struggled a lot with what's happened, but I've been actively been trying to push for change.
"Having something to focus on has helped a bit. This is an issue which's affecting people all over the world, so we need to try and sort it.
"Gracie was my best friend. Whenever we went on holiday anywhere, we just used to say we were twins because we looked exactly the same.
"We told each other everything and did loads of stuff together.
"Gracie could be grumpy first thing in the morning until she'd had a cup of tea. Everyone in our house knew they had to tread on eggshells until Gracie had got a cup of tea in the morning.
"She spent every single penny she made on her horse. It wasn't just a hobby, it was a lifestyle for her, as her entire life revolved around Paddy.
"Gracie would do anything to help anyone. She was a good person, and definitely did not deserve any of this."
Gracie's dad Richard was also at the remembrance service:
"Normally on Gracie's birthday we'd have gone out for a meal and celebrated somewhere.
"I can't believe I'm talking about this instead and she's not here. This is for her, but I feel like she is here with me in spirit.
"She lit up the room wherever she went. Everybody loved Gracie, she made you feel good and was very polite.
"We managed to bring up a beautiful young woman who was entering the prime of her life, and it was just cut short so unfairly.
"Gracie was very, very talented. She had a passion for music, she was an artist, as well as a swimming teacher. She loved acting, painting, and drawing too.
"Of course, above all else, she loved horses and just about anything to do with them.
"It's time for some big changes, and that's what we're hoping to achieve with this petition in her legacy.
"There needs to be some good which can come from an awful tragedy like this, and we're determined to keep going until better stalking prevention resources are made available.
You can see the access below:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/593769