2024 Winner
Diana Parkes and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton
After Joanna Simpson was killed by her husband, her mum Diana and best friend Hetti set up a charity to support children impacted by domestic abuse.
In 2010, Diana Parkes’ daughter Joanna was beaten to death by husband Robert Brown. The horror unfolded within earshot of Joanna’s young children, aged nine and 10 at the time.
Brown was sentenced to 26 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter with diminished responsibility. In the midst of her grief, Diana, who took on the care of her grandchildren, joined her daughter’s best friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton in setting up the Joanna Simpson Foundation in 2014.
Its aim was to help raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence and transform the care, support and protection of children affected by this horrific crime.
Hetti, 57, from Swindon, says: “Jo was a ray of sunshine – she was kind, warm, fun and, above all, an incredible mother. She was always driven to do the right thing, which has inspired both Di and me.
“We set up the Joanna Simpson Foundation because, having seen the law fail to protect two deeply traumatised children, we couldn’t let that happen again. We also wanted to raise awareness of domestic abuse. So often people don’t know it is happening to those they love.”
According to the charity, 130,000 children are in households at risk of serious injury or death, while 200 children are bereaved through homicide each year. In 2023, Diana, from the Isle of Man, and Hetti successfully campaigned to block Brown’s automatic release from prison after he completed half of his sentence. However, they have been informed that he is up for parole again.
Hetti says: “Although Robert Brown has been categorised as dangerous, they may still release him. We know he is a massive danger to women and girls. We can’t sit back and do nothing.” Both women were appointed CBEs in the New Year Honours List 2024 in recognition of their work.
Hetti says: “So much has happened over the last 14 years but winning a Pride of Britain award has to be one of the most overwhelming and positive things. It’s amazing.” Queen Camilla has credited Diana’s story as her inspiration for raising awareness around domestic violence. Diana, 85, said: “I will continue to fight until my dying days to keep children safe and to eliminate domestic abuse.”