Supporting Sam
Donation protected
My name is Maggie Barradell and I am setting up this go fund me page to support my friend Sam Nicholls. Tragically her son Joe Pooley (pictured above) was murdered here in Ipswich in August 2018.
Joe was a lovely lad, his autism and learning disabilities made his decision to live independently at the age of 16 somewhat challenging. He was supported by Sam and his family and at times, the local authority. Joe was a vulnerable young adult who craved friendship, but the combination of LD and autism made things very difficult for him.
Because the trial of those accused of Joes murder is currently taking place, I don’t want to say any more for fear of jeopardising a fair trial.
Sam will be giving evidence and the trial is set for at least 8 weeks. This means Sam is unable to work for this period. She is using all her holiday and then taking unpaid leave. Sam can’t claim benefits as she will be unavailable for work. She has no savings and hence I am trying to raise £2,500 to get her though to the new year for her rent and bills etc. Covid has already put Sam behind with the rent and she has red bills needing paying.
How any mother is expected to work whilst the trial of her murdered child takes place is beyond me. It is not something anyone expects to have to go through.
Victim support came up with the idea of this fundraising page when they were asked if there were any funds available to help people in Sam’s situation.
So if, and only if, because both Sam and I know that life is really difficult for so many at the moment, you can afford anything it would be really appreciated.
The last thing that Sam needs to add to everything is the threat of being homeless.
With many thanks
Maggie
Joe was a lovely lad, his autism and learning disabilities made his decision to live independently at the age of 16 somewhat challenging. He was supported by Sam and his family and at times, the local authority. Joe was a vulnerable young adult who craved friendship, but the combination of LD and autism made things very difficult for him.
Because the trial of those accused of Joes murder is currently taking place, I don’t want to say any more for fear of jeopardising a fair trial.
Sam will be giving evidence and the trial is set for at least 8 weeks. This means Sam is unable to work for this period. She is using all her holiday and then taking unpaid leave. Sam can’t claim benefits as she will be unavailable for work. She has no savings and hence I am trying to raise £2,500 to get her though to the new year for her rent and bills etc. Covid has already put Sam behind with the rent and she has red bills needing paying.
How any mother is expected to work whilst the trial of her murdered child takes place is beyond me. It is not something anyone expects to have to go through.
Victim support came up with the idea of this fundraising page when they were asked if there were any funds available to help people in Sam’s situation.
So if, and only if, because both Sam and I know that life is really difficult for so many at the moment, you can afford anything it would be really appreciated.
The last thing that Sam needs to add to everything is the threat of being homeless.
With many thanks
Maggie
Organizer and beneficiary
Maggie Barradell
Organizer
England
Samantha Nicholls
Beneficiary