Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, a close friend of the late Joanna Simpson, is set to participate in the London Marathon to honor all women who fell victim to male violence in the previous year. Back in 2010, Barkworth-Nanton was the last person to communicate with Simpson before her tragic death at the hands of her husband, British Airways pilot Robert Brown. Since then, she has been a staunch advocate for keeping Brown incarcerated following his manslaughter conviction.
In a symbolic gesture, Barkworth-Nanton plans to run the marathon wearing a specially designed pink cape adorned with butterflies, each representing a woman who lost her life to male violence in the UK in 2025. Her goal is to raise awareness about the alarming statistics that reveal a woman in England and Wales is killed by a current or former partner every five days, with over 100 women falling victim to male violence last year.
As the chair of trustees at Refuge, a charity dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse, Barkworth-Nanton emphasizes the importance of shedding light on the devastating impact of domestic violence. She views the London Marathon as a powerful platform to bring attention to the fatal consequences of abusive relationships and hopes to engage a broader audience in conversations about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Meanwhile, Brown, who is currently seeking parole, faces a challenging legal battle to secure his release, prompting emotional distress for Simpson’s loved ones. The timing of his parole hearing coinciding with the London Marathon serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing trauma experienced by families affected by domestic abuse.
Joanna Simpson tragically lost her life in 2010 when Brown, her estranged husband, fatally attacked her at their home in Windsor, Berks. Despite Brown’s claims of mental health issues at the time of the incident, he was sentenced to 26 years in prison for manslaughter. His potential early release last year was halted by the Justice Secretary due to concerns over public safety.
In the midst of these legal proceedings, Barkworth-Nanton continues her advocacy work to combat domestic violence and ensure that survivors receive the necessary support. Leading up to the London Marathon, Refuge released a poignant film featuring Barkworth-Nanton and other prominent figures in a solidarity run, paying tribute to victims of domestic homicide and gender-based violence.
For those interested in supporting Barkworth-Nanton’s cause, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/hetti-barkworth-nanton-2.