Family tribute to Holly Bramley (latterly Metson)

Today is a mixture of emotions for us as we see that justice has finally been served after losing our vibrant, happy and affectionate daughter, sister and aunt in such a barbaric and heinous way 12 months ago.

The loss of Holly is still raw as we’ve come to learn more and more of what happened to her before and after her tragic death. Today is by no means closure but it is a milestone in the process of our grief and healing.

Our dear sweet Holly was a beautiful, caring, innocent soul who had a kindness and warmth that affected everyone she met. She loved to sing, dance, had a passion for animals and was rarely seen without a smile on her face. Her vibrant spirit and infectious laughter filled our lives with joy, she was truly special.

She adored her younger brothers, nieces and nephews and wanted nothing more than to become a mother herself one day. To have children of her own to dote on and shower with love. She has so many family and friends who love her who are now left feeling truly devastated that she is no longer here to live the long and happy life she deserved.

Sadly, meeting the man who cruelly took her life was just the beginning of a rocky road for Holly as she embarked on a life of domestic abuse and, despite our trying, as a family we never managed to save her from that.

We, as a family, are asking and encouraging anyone living with domestic abuse to seek support and tell someone. There are services out there who can help victims find the happiness and freedom they deserve. The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service, LDASS, is one who provides non-judgmental support to anyone who reaches out.

We miss Holly so much our hearts are broken. But, if anything, we need her death to highlight that domestic abuse is NOT OK.  If she had recognised that this was what she was being subjected to, we may have her home with us now.

Let's make Domestic Abuse everyone's business. For Holly's sake. Thank you.