What started as an wonderful idea to turn Kiena Dawes’ birthday into something positive saw people join together yesterday for a 23km ride, walk or run to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Kiena Dawes took her own life in 2022 after suffering years of domestic and physical abuse at the hands of her former partner Ryan Wellings.
Her devoted brother Kynan Dawes decided this was the year to make her birthday shine in a positive way and organised the big event in her memory.
And yesterday, family, friends and people who simply wanted to show their support, walked the length of the Fylde Coast, starting in Fleetwood for Women’s Aid.
It was also to push Kiena’s Law - a petition calling on the government to create a specific criminal offence of domestic abuse–related suicide.
Kynan said: “This is for women everywhere, to try and make a difference, raise awareness for domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour and the lasting effects.
“It’s also for people to see the petition online and maybe scroll past, we all do it but with this one you would be making difference not just for one person but for millions of people.
“Make a change.”
ICYMI: 'Kiena's Law' - Update on Kiena Dawes law change petition around domestic abuse-related suicide
2. Kiena's Coastal 23km
The start of Kiena's Coastal 23km in Fleetwood to raise money in Kiena Dawes' memory for Women's Aid | National World
3. Kiena's Coastal 23km
The start of Kiena's Coastal 23km in Fleetwood to raise money in Kiena Dawes' memory for Women's Aid | National World
4. Kiena's Coastal 23km
The start of Kiena's Coastal 23km in Fleetwood to raise money in Kiena Dawes' memory for Women's Aid | National World
5. Kiena's Coastal 23km
The start of Kiena's Coastal 23km in Fleetwood to raise money in Kiena Dawes' memory for Women's Aid | National World
6. Kiena's Coastal 23km
The start of Kiena's Coastal 23km in Fleetwood to raise money in Kiena Dawes' memory for Women's Aid | National World