'Permanent memorial' unveiled in Duckmanton to honour Gracie Spinks
The 23-year-old from Chesterfield died back in 2021
Last updated 8th Nov 2024
A 'permanent memorial' has been unveiled in Duckmanton - in honour of Gracie Spinks from Chesterfield - who was killed by her stalker over three years ago.
The new Gracie Spinks Way footpath - just off Tom Lane - is now in place after being funded by Staveley Town Council.
It's following a campaign spearheaded by local councillor Mick Bagshaw - who fought to secure the funding for the signs for over six months.
Gracie's dad Richard says even though it's close to where his daughter was killed - it's also somewhere she had many happy memories:
"I'm so proud, and I know Gracie would be as well.
"It's such an achievement to get a sign like this - to remember her and commemorate Gracie's life.
"It's a tribute to her that's permanent. This is a trail that Gracie used with her horse Paddy often.
"She loved it here, so the fact we've got a sign in an area she loved is a great honour.
"It's a great contribution to the local people as well from a safety point of view, as it can now be used for map references by the emergency services.
"It was known as the yellow brick road before, but it wasn't set in stone.
"Now, Gracie is on the map, and her name will be out there.
"It's a step further with our campaign to make people more aware of Gracie's case and the changes we want to make in relation to how the police deal with stalking."
Her stalker - Michael Sellers from Sheffield - took his own life in a field close to where Gracie's body was found - after he'd stabbed her multiple times.