PEOPLE are urged to support an event in memory of a North Yorkshire mum who was killed by her violent partner.

Twenty-nine-year-old Rebecca Kowal was murdered by her partner Robert Byrom in 2008 following attacks which left her with 170 external injury marks all over her body. A walk is planned to take place in York in her memory on May 9 with any funds raised being donated to the domestic violence charity IDAS.

Becca’s Walk has been organised by her brother Andrew Overton, 54, who has become an ambassador for the York-based charity.

He said: “I have lost someone very close to my heart.

“I experienced the signs and symptoms and thoughts, to some extent, about her but I did not take any action.

“Being my sister I just thought she would confide in me but every time I questioned her, she had a plausible explanation.

“A lot of people used to think there was nowhere to turn but now there are so many organisations to turn to – you can pick up the phone and there are people to talk to.”

Mr Overton said he hoped the event would raise awareness and encourage people to try and help should a friend or relative show signs of suffering domestic violence and becoming withdrawn.

The 10km walk will start at Millennium Bridge at 10am on May 9 and will head along the river towards Water End in Clifton before looping back into town.

As many people as possible are invited to take part.

Byrom was jailed for life in 2009 for Rebecca’s murder. The mum-of-one from West Tanfield near Ripon had left him shortly before her death but had returned following the promises made by Byrom.

Sarah Hill, director at IDAS, said: “People can feel helpless when they are concerned about the relationship a family member or friend is in. I would always recommend them giving us a call.

“It’s absolutely fantastic Andrew is taking such a proactive approach to try and change things and raise awareness and vital funds.”

Statistics published by Women’s Aid show that one in four women experience domestic violence over their lifetimes and between six to ten per cent of women suffer domestic violence in a given year.

lTo take part in the walk, you can turn up on the day, meeting at the Millennium Bridge on the Rowntree Park side at 10am on May 9.

For more information or to get sponsorship forms email: andrewcoverton@aol.com or IDAS at info@idas.org.uk

If you are concerned about domestic violence, call the IDAS domestic abuse helpline on 03000 110 110.