MORE than 200 people are expected to take part in a walk in memory of a North Yorkshire mum who was killed by her violent partner.

Rebecca Kowal, 29, was brutally murdered by her partner Robert Byrom in 2008.

A crowd of people are due to take part in a York walk in her memory in aid of domestic violence charity IDAS – and there is an open invitation for people to join the event on the day.

Becca’s Walk – which will start at Millennium Bridge at 10am on May 9 – has been organised by her brother Andrew Overton, 54, who has become an ambassador for the York-based charity.

Mr Overton said: “When Becca was being abused she would always have a plausible explanation reason why it had happened but at the back of my mind I knew something was not right.

“I want people to think that if they suspect this is happening to a friend or relative they should phone IDAS or Refuge or Women’s Aid. Had I done that at the time she might well be here today.”

Mr Overton said people should be aware of a change in people’s behaviour – if outgoing friends and relatives have become withdrawn or have stopped taking care over their appearance and may have a controlling partner.

The 10km walk will start at Millennium Bridge and will head along the river towards Water End in Clifton before looping back into town. The event has already raised more than £1,000 in donations.

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.

Mr Overton added: “I am fully supporting the Independent Domestic Abuse Service. This charity does extraordinary things for victims of domestic abuse and will support any victim either in person or they will advise anybody who has a concern about a relative, friend or colleague and point them in the right direction to safeguard their future wellbeing.”

For more information or to get sponsorship forms, email andrewcoverton@aol.com or IDAS at info@idas.org.uk or visit Friends of Becca’s Walk on Facebook.

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