You probably recognise the photo of my daughter Karen and her friend Nicola. You are probably familiar with their story and the terrifying ordeal they suffered before meeting a horrifying end. Their murder became known as the *Babes in the wood' case - something I never understood. Because what happened to them was in no way a fairy tale, it was the stuff of nightmares and something that has haunted me for more than three decades. And just five years ago, it all came flooding back once more, when their killer was finally brought to justice.
It was October 1986 when Karen, nine, left our home for the final time. I was cooking her favourite dinner, a chicken pie, and she trotted out the front door to see her friend Nicola Fellows, who lived a few doors down. Karen's younger sister Lyndsey, then six, was out playing too. Our estate in Brighton, East Sussex, was friendly enough, we'd lived there years and knew everyone. My husband Lee, then 38, was away working, delivering furniture, and I was seven months pregnant with our fourth child. Our eldest Darren was away at school.
When the chicken pie was ready, 25 minutes later, I called for the girls, but only Lyndsey came running back. Leaving Lyndsey with my mum Maisie, then 52, who was staying at mine, I knocked at Nicola's, but her mum hadn't seen them since I had, so we headed out to look. When a group of boys ' said they'd seen them both playing by a tree at nearby Wild Park, I frowned. We went there as a family for picnics, but I'd told Karen not to go there without me.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?