THE parents of tragic young Greenock woman Colette Law who was repeatedly attacked by her boyfriend in the days leading up to her death has vowed to help other abuse victims in her memory.
Heartbroken mum Patricia and dad John Law have been raising money for Inverclyde Women's Aid in her name.
The 26-year-old was found dead in church grounds in Lincolnshire town of Spalding on July 17 last year.
Her partner Paul Neilson admitted to three assaults on Colette and a further charge of perverting the course of public justice.
Now, thanks to a fundraiser, a memorial bench will be placed in a new outdoor garden at the women's refuge shelter in Inverclyde.
Patricia, a home care support worker, said: "We want Colette's name to live on so that no one forgets what happened to our beautiful daughter.
"We want to leave a legacy in her memory by helping other vulnerable girls out there who are suffering domestic abuse.
"Colette suffered three years of hell with him, and we want to help other victims. Colette was a beautiful fun loving girl with a great laugh.
"She was my best friend and we used to do everything together.
"But all that changed after she met him. Colette was different when she was around him.
"She used to look at him before she spoke and it was a nervous laugh.
"She was increasingly isolated from her family and friends. But she thought she was in love, she thought that was what love was.
"It didn't matter what we told her."
Patricia, who keeps Colette's memory alive with special keepsakes in the family home, now wants to send out a strong message to victims out there who are suffering at the hands of an abuser.
She said: "I would say to any girl or woman listen to what your family and friends say.
"If people are telling you that this is not the life to live then listen to them and get out.
"If a man was treating one of Colette's friends or someone she loved she would have told them the same thing.
"It is too late for Colette, but there is help out there.
"Reach out for help and get away, don't stay.
"As a family if we can help another girl, or woman, then we will have done something for Colette."
Parents Patricia, aged 64, and John, aged 66, a retired Navy seaman, along with her older sisters Jennifer, 39, and Patricia, 36 have been left broken by the loss of Colette.
Patricia added: "Sometimes it is hard to keep going, my work as a home carer helps. I don't know what I would do without m week clients.
"Colette's older sister Jennifer has cerebral palsy and she does not understand why Colette isn't here any more. Sometimes when the phone rings she ask if it is Colette."
The fundraiser in memory of Colette in the Navy Club raised £1,600 for Inverclyde Women's Aid.
Her older cousin Jade Taggart, from nearby Grosvenor Road, ran the Kiltwalk raising a further £1,800.
She said: "On the first anniversary of her death we also had a special day in the house with a balloon launch.
"We want to keep fundraising for Colette, every year on her birthday so that she is always remembered."
Inverclyde Women's Aid Director Linda Harkin was overcome by the donation in memory of Colette.
She said: "It means so much that Colette's family would think of us. We are going to use the donation to help with the new garden we are creating at the women's refuge.
"We will put in a bench in memory of Colette, so that the women there remember her as well."
The body of Colette was found in the grounds of St Mary and St Nicholas Church where she had been living with Neilson before her death.
Colette's partner Paul Neilson was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to three assaults and perverting the course of public justice by preventing police from finding her body for seven days.
A a result police pathologists said that they were unable to determine the cause of death.
Paul Neilson had originally been charged with murder and manslaughter, but these were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Anyone in need of support can call Inverclyde Women's Aid helpline on 888505 during the hours of 9.30 to 4.30 pm and then out of hours 0800 027 1234.
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