The Harrowing Story Every Parent Has To Read

Rosie Ayliffe’s daughter was murdered while backpacking. Here, in heartbreaking detail, she reveals how she has coped with her loss…

- Anna Verdon

Waving my daughter Mia off at the train station, with her big backpack and even bigger smile, I was so excited for her. She’d been planning her round-the-world trip for years and I knew she’d have a great time. Sometimes I think back to that moment. There are so many things I wish I’d said. Instead, I gave her a quick hug and a kiss, safe in the knowledge I’d see her again soon. only, that didn’t happen.

Mia’s love of travelling was instilled in her at a young age. Her first taste was in July 1996 when she was just nine months old. Working as a travel writer I took Mia with me to Turkey. I’ve got albums full of photos of her playing in the sand and splashing in the sea. Even after her dad and I split up, as she got older, Mia would go on trips abroad with him. I was so proud that my only child was becoming such a passionate, independent young woman. Aged 16, Mia went to Italy and Amsterdam to cycle round the city. I never worried – Mia and her friends were so sensible, I just knew they’d be OK.

That’s why when, at 19, she decided to save up and explore the world – alone – I agreed. Every night she’d pore over travel guides and all the money she earned as a childminder, barmaid and waitress went straight into the bank. By then I’d met my partner Stewart and was working as a teacher. Back home, most evenings, I’d help Mia plan her trip. She’d be visiting Morocco, Turkey, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Bali and, finally, Australia. I gave her the usual lectures – be cautious, dress appropriately and stick with other backpackers. But I knew she’d be fine.