United by grief – United for Peace

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TWO Warrington families united by grief have joined forces to help ensure the unique work of the town’s pioneering Peace Centre can continue into the future.
Helen Newlove, the newly appointed Victims Commissioner for England and Wales, whose husband Garry (pictured right) was murdered on the streets of Warrington six years ago, has pledged her support to Colin and Wendy Parry, who lost their 12-year-old son Tim alongside three-year-old Johnathan Ball in the IRA bomb attack 20 years ago.
Helen pledged her support at a special conference taking place at the Peace Centre last night examining “The Cost of Peace and the Price of Extremism.”
She said: “What happened in Warrington 20 years ago was an appalling act. The deaths of Johnathan and Tim, the injuries to the 54 victims and the suffering of the many others affected has stuck in all our memories.
“However what came out of that tragedy is truly remarkable. The campaigning of Colin and Wendy Parry has provided hope and inspiration to many and I want to put on record my admiration for them. Tonight is an opportunity to look forward and to build upon the work they have started so it is sustained for the future.
Helen, who said she felt privileged to be at the event added: “I know what it feels like to lose a loved one after the tragic death of my husband Garry in 2007. I know the consequences that my family suffered and that is why tonight means so much to be back in Warrington, to pay tribute to all who have worked to support the work at the Foundation.
“As The Victims Commissioner for England and Wales my role in Government transcends party politics. My appointment until at least 2016 is beyond the next General Election allowing me the opportunity to serve without fear of political mandates. Therefore as a champion for victims and witnesses I will be engaging with organisations like the Foundation for Peace for the long-term. I have one cause and that is being a strong independent voice for victims right at the heart of Government. Let me emphasise that independence is the key word.”
Helen said that when she was appointed three months ago one of her first visits was to meet the team at the Peace Centre.
“The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace is an organisation that I will be looking to work closely with as a partner to the plan I am working on and developing over the next three years.”
Helen said her own personal journey had brought her into contact with many victims and vulnerable community members.
“I have listened to their concerns, their fears and been inspired by their hope for a brighter future. I now have an opportunity to help make this happen and represent their wishes. That in itself is all the motivation and inspiration I need to succeed.
“I cannot do this alone hence why I am here working with the Foundation. I will operate independently of political partiality, be fully inclusive and represent all victims, including the most vulnerable. To do so I will encourage responsibility and hold people to account across all the criminal justice agencies. This will ensure that the voices of victims are heard and that each organisation takes responsibility for victims and witnesses.
“I have also agreed a series of outcomes that are to be discussed with the Prime Minister and Justice Secretary. These will be published very soon.”
The conference heard from Foundation for Peace Chief Executive Nick Taylor who outlined a number of cases studies revealing the true cost of terrorism.
The 7/7 bomb attacks on London in 2005 removed £2 billion from the UK economy through the impact on transport, high street spending and extra security costs. The cost to repair and replace the London underground infrastructure was £22.4m.
The cost of 118 terrorist or extremist prisoners in the UK is £7.2m pa while the IRA bomb attack on Manchester in 1996 reduced retail turnover by £50m with a further £5m in business relocation costs.
Closing the “stimulating” conference Foundation Chairman Colin Parry said:”This centre exists as a place where dialogue can happen. We will not take a position on faith, race or politics – if people from different sides want to meet here we will facilitate it – we will not walk away from giving help.
“This is a ground breaking opportunity but risks must be taken – if people do not take risks nothing changes. I am delighted Helen is here as she has gone through huge pain and we look forward to working closely with her.”


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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