Express & Star

Amy Barnes: Fundraisers on the run in memory of suspected murder-suicide victim

Pals of murder-suicide victim Amy Barnes are taking part in a charity run in aid of if the hospital where she worked.

Published
Amy Barnes. Photo released by West Midlands Police.

32-year-old Amy was found in her home in Cofton Park, Rednal, Birmingham, in the early hours of September 26 whilst her suspected killer, husband James, was found dead in the garden of a property in Linforth Drive, Streetly.

Now, friends of Amy and fellow staff at Birmingham Women's Hospital worked as a neo-natal nursery nurse, are to take part in a run in her memory.

They are to run in the Glow in the Dark fun run at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth on October 14.

Amy planned to take part in the 5km run according to her friends and colleagues, where runners glow thanks to UV paint.

A justgiving page has already been set up for the run and by Sunday had raised £679 towards to £1,000 target.

People donating on the page said: "Good luck, I'm sure Amy will be looking down on you.

"I know Amy will be watching and smiling."

A statement on the justgiving page said: "We all work within the transitional care ward at Birmingham Women's hospital and we would like to raise money to help improve the ward for our mum's, babies and their families.

"Transitional care works closely with our Neonatal Unit which means we care for babies born from 34 weeks gestation, those babies born at any gestation below 2kg in weight and babies who require IV antibiotics to treat for sepsis or meningitis. Babies with cleft lip and/or palate are also cared for upon transitional care, offering support and education to parents whilst working with the cleft team at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"We also work closely with parents who suffer with addiction to drink and/or drugs, this can be challenging and mean medication in some cases to help ease the withdrawal for the baby.

"Stays for our parents can be anything from a couple of days to a few weeks, we want to improve the stays for these women and families from something little to having a mug for tea and coffee to camp beds allowing dad's to spend the night on the ward with their partner and baby.

"None of us are runners so this is going to push us all to complete the 5k but with your help and support knowing we can make a difference and have a few laughs along the way will keep us going."

Police revealed that Amy received a single stab wound to the neck whilst they believe her husband died from the effects of a fire, at what is believed to have been his parent's home.

Following Amy's death, her mother Val issued a statement on behalf of her family.

It said: "Her loss has left a huge hole in not only mine and her father Jez's heart but to all those that loved Amy which will never be filled.

"The truth is Amy was a precious gift to so many people, who smiled with her eyes. Everything you would like to say about a beautiful human being inside and out, Amy was."

To find out more or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisecolebrook