We are deeply humbled to welcome Claire Throssell MBE to join our Yorkshire Voices Conference and panel discussion, next February, at Wetherby Racecourse. Claire is a tireless campaigner for children’s rights, particularly for those affected by domestic abuse. Her journey from personal tragedy to advocacy has made her a leading voice in the fight for family law reform.
Claire became widely recognised following the tragic loss of her two sons, 12-year-old Jack and 9-year-old Paul, who were murdered by their father, Sykes, in a horrific house fire in October 2014. This devastating event has profoundly shaped Claire’s life and her relentless pursuit of justice and reform in family law.
In the aftermath of her sons' deaths, Claire took a stand against the legal system that she believed failed to protect her children. During her separation from Sykes, she had raised serious concerns about his history of domestic abuse, actively seeking to prevent him from having contact with Jack and Paul. Despite her warnings, the courts permitted contact due to the prevailing legal principle of ‘presumptive contact’ as outlined in the Children and Families Act 2014. This principle often favours contact between children and non-residential parents, even those with a history of abuse, thus putting children at risk.
For the past decade, Claire has tirelessly campaigned alongside Women’s Aid and other organisations to reform this principle, emphasising that children's safety must take precedence in family court decisions. Claire is also advocating for a change in how family courts operate, calling for children to have more of a say in custody arrangements. She believes courts should be more vigorous in establishing whether a child may be at risk from a parent or guardian. To further this cause, Claire is fighting to gather 100,000 signatures for her petition so that the issue can be debated again in Parliament. To sign the petition, visit here.
In recognition of her unwavering dedication to this cause, Claire was awarded an MBE in 2021 for her campaigning efforts on behalf of children suffering from domestic abuse. Her advocacy work has included speaking engagements, petitions for legislative change, and collaboration with local and national politicians to raise awareness about the flaws in existing laws that endanger children.
Recently, the newly elected Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, Marie Tidball, raised the issue of the 10-year anniversary of her sons' deaths in Parliament. During this session, Tidball pressed the Justice Minister on the need for reform and advocated for Claire to be involved in discussions aimed at improving protections for children in family courts. The Justice Minister expressed her support for Claire’s campaign and agreed to meet with both Tidball and Claire to discuss potential reforms to the law.
In her public statements, Claire emphasises the importance of ensuring that every child is heard, believed, and supported. She advocates for a legal framework that protects children from unsafe contact with perpetrators of domestic abuse, ensuring that no other family suffers the tragedy she endured. Claire states,
“Every child deserves a childhood and to live free of fear, free of oppression and allowed to grow.”
Her message resonates deeply within the community and beyond, highlighting the urgent need for legal reform and increased awareness around domestic abuse services. Claire continues to inspire many with her strength and commitment, bringing hope for change to countless families affected by domestic violence.
Yorkshire Voices Panel: Hosted by Christine Talbot
The panel will be hosted by Christine Talbot, a highly respected journalist with extensive experience covering local and national stories in Yorkshire. With Christine leading the conversation, this session promises to be insightful and moving.
As part of the Yorkshire Voices Panel, Claire will share her story and discuss her ongoing efforts to reform family law to protect children. Claire’s unique perspective, alongside her campaigning for legal reform, makes her a crucial voice in the conversation.
Afternoon Session: 1.30 pm to 2.15 pm
Our esteemed panellists include:
Lindsey Burrow: A passionate advocate for carers and the author of the memoir “Take Care,” Lindsey shares her experiences as a devoted caregiver for her husband, Rob, during his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Lizzie Jones MBE: Known as the ‘Sporting Soprano,’ Lizzie’s journey transformed after the tragic loss of her husband, Welsh rugby player Danny. An advocate for heart screening and defibrillators in sports clubs, as she uses her powerful voice to raise awareness and inspire change.
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung: The first African Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Katung champions diversity and inclusion. Her commitment to community welfare shines through her work with local charities addressing food poverty and health inequalities.
Joan Lawrence: Mother of missing person Claudia Lawrence, Joan has tirelessly campaigned for answers and justice, bringing attention to the complexities surrounding her daughter’s case and advocating for continued public awareness.
Claire Throssell MBE: Claire is a dedicated advocate for children affected by domestic abuse, driven by the tragic loss of her two sons. She works to influence legislation to ensure child safety and raise awareness of domestic violence issues.
Ticket Information:
Attendance to the Yorkshire Voices conference is free, but spaces are limited, and tickets must be secured in advance. To avoid disappointment, please book your ticket early. Entry to the speaker sessions must be booked separately and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and a valid general admission ticket is required to access all areas.