The year 2024 will mark ten years since Hollie Gazzard was murdered by her ex-partner at her place of work in Gloucestershire, and so ten years since the inception of the Hollie Gazzard Trust.
Since that terrible loss on 18th February 2014, the charity has made it a key aim to develop programmes and tools to help those experiencing domestic abuse and to promote healthy relationships, particularly providing education in schools and colleges. The Trust was founded in 2014 by Hollie’s parents, Nick and Mandy, and her sister, Chloe, and has developed an international reputation for providing practical support to those facing domestic abuse alongside prevention programmes such as the Hollie Guard app, which has grown incredibly, with more than half a million downloads to date – and counting.
As ten years has passed, the charity will host a number of events, more than usual, to continue to raise awareness and funds in Hollie’s name.
Nick Gazzard said of the anniversary: “Ten years has passed with a blink of an eye in one sense. On the other hand it seems an age since we lost Hollie. When I look back on what we have achieved as a Trust I am very proud. From the launch of the Hollie Guard App and delivering training programs and workshops to schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and other organisations across the country, we have done a considerable amount.
“We have been involved in changing laws, meetings with ministers and completing over seven documentaries. We have had a positive influence on many individuals and in many areas. We have delivered training to police forces, local governments and private organisations. The positive feedback that we have received and also the vast number of messages about lives we have saved is very heartwarming.”
The Trust will use its 10th year to commemorate, not celebrate – to grow and help more people. The charity will also be using a special 10 year anniversary logo throughout 2024.
As Nick explains: “A charity such as ours should not be necessary but the sad fact is that it is. We aim to raise even more awareness of the issues that affected Hollie, have a positive impact on more and more individuals, and provide more education. We will be able to do this from funds raised during our 10th year and help us to create a bigger platform nationally to build from in the coming years.”
The commemorative events have been designed to be inclusive of all sectors of society.
The first event will be a Service of Remembrance at Gloucester Cathedral on 20 February 2024, presided over by the Bishop of Gloucester.
Other notable events will include:
- Wednesday July 10, Active Bystander Conference at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire: a group of up to 100 attendees will discuss the empowerment and positive transformation that an Active Bystander programme can bring about, hearing from industry and academic experts, learning how to foster a culture of intervention and support, equipping individuals from all walks of life with the tools to stand up against harassment, abuse, and violence.
- Thursday September 5, Golf Day, at Lilley Brook Golf Club: The Trust’s annual Golf Day blends the spirit of competition with a sense of purpose and has become an important date in the diary of the Gloucestershire business community. Held annually in September, the day offers a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts, supporters, and sponsors to enjoy the greens while contributing to a great cause. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
- Friday November 29, Its a Kind of Magic annual ball at Hatherley Manor: The Trust’s annual dinners are a highlight of the year and are always a sell-out. Entertainment will be provided by Tommy & The Fuse, while table magician, Christian Fletcher will provide sleight of hand magic. Caricature artist Tony Marriott will be on hand to capture portraits. The auction is one of the Trust’s main fundraisers and it is actively looking for ‘money can’t buy’ prizes and raffle donations. Tables are £700 for 10 guests.
There are more exciting events to be announced, more information will be made available on all events soon, including how to attend and get tickets.
The Trust has had a major impact over the past 10 years but has much more to do.
“The problem is not going away, so we will continue to do more of what we are good at and try to have a positive impact on more individuals across the country,” said Nick.
“We want to increase the number of businesses in our Ambassador Scheme from areas outside Gloucestershire. We have not set ourselves specific targets as the area is rapidly moving and we must remain agile enough to respond to these shifting areas.”
The charity would love to see as many supporters at the events as possible, so please keep an eye on our website and social media for information on how to get involved.
The year 2024 promises to be a special year for the charity, and we invite you to commemorate Hollie and all those lost to domestic abuse too soon.
If you are interested in sponsoring one of the events, or donating prizes to a raffle, you can do so via fundraising@holliegazzard.org
