"Mum was robbed of her life under the cruellest of circumstances."
The children of 64-year-old Alyson Nelson have spoken out for the first time since their mum’s "abhorrent" murder.
Ms Nelson, a retired nurse, was found
stabbed at a property in the Victoria Avenue area of Whitehead in Northern Ireland on Saturday, April 16.
Her former partner, 66-year-old William Finlay, has been charged with murder aggravated by reason of causing domestic abuse under a new law that came into effect this year.
Hundreds – including Ms Nelson's grown-up children Peter, Mark, Rachel and Laura – attended a vigil on Saturday to pay respects to the mother and grandmother, close to where she was killed a week prior.
A statement from the family was read out at the event by local Pastor Steve Ames, the
Belfast Telegraph reports.
"We would like to thank the entire community of Whitehead and further afield for the outpouring of love and support over the past week since mum was robbed of her life under the cruellest of circumstances," the statement said.
"Mum was a much loved member of the Whitehead community who always had time to stop and have a chat, especially with the local dog owners in the area.
"While events continue to be very raw for the many weeks and months yet to come, we as a family take great comfort knowing how loved mum was and still is by her friends, family and all those who stand with us after this abhorrent crime."
Those in attendance at the vigil all carried a white ribbon, signifying the UK-wide campaign to end violence against women.
Finlay is the
first person in Northern Ireland to be charged with murder under the new Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act. He has since been remanded in custody and is due to appear before the court again via video link on May 15.
If you have been affected affected by any of the issues raised in this article, contact Women's Aid 24/7 on 1800 341 900.
