Auction for Bethany and DJ raises thousands
Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of Louth mum Bethany Vincent and her son DJ.
Be Their Voice (BTV), the Louth-based domestic abuse charity, was set up in the wake of the deaths of 29-year-old Bethany and her nine-year-old son Darren (DJ) Henson, who were killed by her former partner Daniel Boulton in May last year.
Boulton received two concurrent life sentences for their murders and will serve a minimum term of 40 years in prison.
BTV held a fundraising auction on Saturday at the LN11 Sports Bar and Function Room, which was attended by dozens of people from across the county and Bethany and DJ’s family, including Bethany’s mum Caroline, dad Darren and sister Chloe.
Spokesman for Be Their Voice, Sarah Parkin, said: “We were absolutely delighted with how it went and thrilled with the turnout we had, especially to have Bethany and DJ’s family with us."
Just some of the items donated by local people and businesses included a 50-inch JVC Smart TV, a month-long Kenwick gym membership, a spa treatment with afternoon tea and a weekend away – with House of Commons memorabilia also donated by Louth & Horncastle MP Victoria Atkins.
Sarah said the committee was “blown away” by the generosity of those who came and mad bids as well as donating prizes:
"We’re so grateful to LN11 Sports Bar, they were fantastic and we’d like to thank everyone for their generosity – it couldn’t have gone better and we’re delighted.”
Overall the auction has raised more than £4,000, with a proportion of the proceeds to be donated to Bethany’s family, and the rest will be used to support victims of domestic abuse and further BTV's engagement with young people.
Sarah added: “It was a tough night for everyone, especially Bethany and DJ’s family, but we know what we’re doing is creating a lasting legacy for Bethany and DJ.
"While nothing can bring them back, Darren said if what we’re doing raises awareness and saves just one life, then something good will come from this.”
To find out more about Be Their Voice, visit their Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/Be-their-Voice-111496538118142