A ‘bittersweet’ CBE celebration
Charity founder created a legacy for her daughter
The mother of Joanna Simpson, who set up a domestic abuse charity in the aftermath of her daughter’s brutal killing, has been named in the New Year’s Honours list.
Diana Parkes launched the Joanna Simpson Foundation in 2014 to support vulnerable children at risk of domestic abuse.
The charity aimed to create a legacy for Joanna, who was bludgeoned to death by her estranged husband, Robert Brown, in 2010 and buried in Windsor Great Park.
Brown received a 26-year prison sentence in 2011 after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but was cleared of murder.
The former BA pilot had been eligible for early automatic release in November 2023 having served half his sentence but this was blocked by the Justice Secretary following a campaign by Joanna’s family.
Diana and foundation cofounder Hetti BarkworthNanton have both been appointed CBEs (Commanders of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours list.
Diana said: “Whilst this honour is an occasion to celebrate, it is bittersweet as this would not have been possible had my daughter, Jo, not been brutally killed by her estranged husband.
“With this honour I vow to continue to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence and homicide on children as well as violence against women.
“Jo loved children and believed they should have a safe and happy childhood.
“That is why the Joanna Simpson Foundation was set up in her name to ensure all children impacted by domestic violence are supported and protected.”
She also thanked Jo’s two children for their love and support over the past 13 years.
Hetti paid tribute to her ‘beautiful friend’ Joanna but said far more change is needed to create a society free from domestic abuse.
She added: “Whilst so much has changed for the better, there is a huge amount of work still to be done.
“Change must be everyone’s challenge, because changing societal attitudes takes all of us.
“It could be affecting your sister, your mother, your daughter, your niece, your friend, your colleague, your neighbour – changing attitudes and creating a generation free from abuse is down to every one of us today.
“We have to reach more women sooner so they can get help earlier, we have to raise awareness to help women spot the signs, we must change laws, attitudes, and behaviours in society, and that way we will ultimately save lives.
“I will not rest until domestic abuse is eliminated.”