A senseless tragedy that should never have happened

It was a normal afternoon, but whilst speaking to my mum on the phone, she said there were police helicopters flying overhead. After we finished talking, she text me back to say local MP Jo Cox had been shot dead less than three miles away in Birstall.

Birstall, as I remember it, is a small, unassuming West Yorkshire market town inhabited by proud, friendly Yorkshire folk. It’s not a ghetto; not scary in the slightest. In fact, it had a lovely florist who did some amazing bouquets for my wedding and an Italian restaurant, that attracted people from far and wide. You know, just a normal town. One I used to drive through when I went to see my sister. It’s such a small place, you could almost blink and miss it.

Never in all my wildest dreams could I have imagined such horrors that occurred there.

Jo cox was 41 years old, just a little older than me. She came from my town of Heckmondwike, went to the same school; a couple of years above me. She had two young children. The tragedy of her untimely and senseless death feels a little too close to home and sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it.

I know she was a popular MP, one who restored their faith in MP’s as a whole, one friend said. So, why? is all we can ask. Why would someone so brutally murder her, so openly as well? I can’t begin to imagine how horrific that was for all concerned.

I’m just so sorry for her family and I can’t believe something like this has happened in a place I know so well and where I would never expect one could feel unsafe or at risk in any way.

This tragedy makes me both sad and angry.

How someone can be killed because they decided to stand up for what they believe in, makes a mockery of freedom of speech. Whatever it was that this monster who killed Jo disagreed with, she did not deserve to die for it. From what I’ve read and heard, she was one of the good guys, who wanted to make a real difference and fight for what is right in the world. It doesn’t surprise me that Jo grew up to do the things she did. I remember a bright and popular student who was looked up to and respected by all. She clearly had far to go. Her death doesn’t make any sense and it should never have happened.

For what it is worth, Jo, I will light a candle and say a prayer for you. God bless you and your family and may you rest in peace. I hope you know that your death has united the world in love. #moreincommon