London Marathon Runner's Powerful Tribute to Women Killed by Men
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, the best friend of Joanna Simpson, who was brutally murdered by her husband in 2010, is set to run the London Marathon in a poignant tribute to all women killed by men in the UK during 2025. The 59-year-old will wear a bespoke pink cape adorned with butterflies, each representing a victim, as she completes the 26.2-mile course through the capital.
A Personal Mission to Raise Awareness
Hetti, who was the last person to speak to her "soul mate" Joanna before the killing, has tirelessly campaigned to keep Robert Brown, the former British Airways pilot convicted of manslaughter, behind bars. Her marathon effort aims to highlight the tragic statistic that, on average, one woman is killed by a partner or ex-partner in England and Wales every five days, with over 100 women killed by men last year alone.
As chair of trustees at the charity Refuge, Hetti stated: "I started my training back in November, knowing there were women still alive who would be represented on this cape. That was almost unbearable to comprehend – but it’s also exactly why it’s so vital to improve public awareness." She emphasised that the marathon serves as a powerful platform to bring the fatal consequences of domestic abuse into public view, reaching audiences who might not otherwise engage with conversations about violence against women and girls.
Parole Hearing Coincides with Marathon
The timing of Hetti's run is particularly significant, as it coincides with the upcoming parole hearing for Robert Brown, scheduled for April 23 and 24. Brown, who bludgeoned Joanna to death at their Windsor home in 2010 within earshot of their children, was jailed for 26 years for manslaughter. His early release was blocked by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk last year, and a subsequent legal challenge was dismissed by the High Court in February 2024.
Hetti expressed her concerns about the parole process: "The upcoming parole hearing of Robert Brown, who killed my dear friend Jo Simpson, serves as a stark reminder that sadly, a sentence is rarely the end. For those bereaved by domestic abuse, parole can be deeply re-traumatising, forcing loved ones to relive their loss and the trauma that surrounds it all over again."
Background of the Case and Ongoing Campaign
Joanna Simpson, 46, was killed by Brown after years of domestic abuse, just a week before their divorce was finalised. Brown buried her body in a pre-dug grave at Great Windsor Park. During his trial, he argued he was suffering from adjustment disorder, but the court heard he showed no remorse and posed a risk of reoffending.
Since Joanna's death, Hetti has forged a close bond with Joanna's mother, Diana Parkes, as they continue to fight for justice and raise awareness about domestic violence. Ahead of the marathon, Refuge released a new film featuring Hetti alongside broadcaster Julie Etchingham and other ambassadors, showcasing a training run in solidarity with victims.
Hetti's marathon effort also serves as a critical fundraising initiative for Refuge, which faces an underfunding crisis. She urged support: "This isn’t just about running a marathon – it’s about making sure that we remember the life of every woman who has been killed because of male violence. As services like Refuge face an underfunding crisis, this is also a critical time for fundraising to ensure that all survivors of abuse can access the lifesaving support they need and deserve."
