My Son Reece Ottaway was 23 years old when his life was cruelly taken on the 1st February 2019. Reece had a zest for life. He enjoyed clubbing, riding his BMX and was a huge car enthusiast.

Reece was planning to open a bagel shop, due to his fondness of food! He also had a project car that he was modifying and wanted to take to car shows when it was ready.

In the early hours of the morning of the 1st February 2019, 5 people armed with weapons broke into Reece’s flat to rob him whilst he was asleep. In the space of only a few minutes, Reece suffered from over 20 knife related injuries. 7 of those injuries were stab wounds and 3 of the stab wounds were fatal. Within 5 day’s, 5 young men were arrested and charged with his murder.

After a 6 week trial at Northampton Crown Court, 4 of the men were convicted of Murder and conspiracy to rob. They were jailed for a minimum of 34 years, 31 years, 28 years and 28 years. The 5th young man was convicted of manslaughter and conspiracy to rob and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

We are hoping very soon to start fundraising for Reece’s Retreat, a UK holiday home which will be a respite for families who have been affected by murder or manslaughter, helping them to relax and spend time together. 

I am also going to be training to become a grief recovery specialist, so that I can help families not only with empathy but also with a practical approach.

Contact: charlotte_marshall@live.co.uk