A close friend of Joanna Simpson, who was tragically killed by her husband in 2010, is set to run the London Marathon in honor of all women who lost their lives to male violence in the past year.
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, 59, the last person to speak with Joanna before her untimely death, has been a staunch advocate for keeping Joanna’s killer, BA pilot Robert Brown, in prison. Hetti will run the marathon wearing a distinctive pink cape adorned with butterflies, symbolizing each woman who fell victim to male violence in the UK in 2025.
Her goal is to raise awareness about the alarming statistic that, on average, a woman is killed by a partner or ex-partner every five days in England and Wales, with over 100 women losing their lives to male violence last year. As the chair of trustees at Refuge, Hetti emphasized the importance of shedding light on such tragedies to engage the public in discussions about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
The upcoming parole hearing of Robert Brown, scheduled just days before the London Marathon, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing trauma faced by survivors and the families of victims of domestic abuse. Hetti stressed the significance of commemorating the lives lost to male violence and highlighted the critical need for funding to support organizations like Refuge in providing essential services to abuse survivors.
Joanna, 46, was brutally murdered by Brown at their home in Windsor, Berks, following years of domestic abuse and just before their divorce was finalized. Despite being sentenced to 26 years for manslaughter, Brown’s release was blocked by the Justice Secretary due to concerns about his potential danger to the public.
The High Court upheld the decision to keep Brown behind bars, citing his lack of remorse and the risk he posed of reoffending. Joanna’s tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence, fueling Hetti’s determination to raise awareness and support survivors through her participation in the London Marathon.
To sponsor Hetti in her marathon run, visit www.justgiving.com/page/hetti-barkworth-nanton-2.
