A Wiltshire woman has been awarded a CBE medal in the King’s New Year Honours List after her charity work following her friend's murder.

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton is a co-founder of The Joanna Simpson Foundation and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. 

Hetti, 57, as co-founder and co-patron of the Joanna Simpson Foundation and Chair of Refuge, has been given the honour for her services to people affected by domestic abuse and homicide.

Diana Parkes, Joanna Simpson’s mother, was also made a CBE for her services to vulnerable children suffering from domestic abuse and domestic homicide.

They co-founded the Joanna Simpson Foundation in 2014, following the brutal killing of Joanna Simpson by her estranged husband, Robert Brown in 2010.

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton said: “I was deeply moved and overwhelmed when I found out I was going to receive this honour - it would not be happening, and I would not be doing my work were it not for my beautiful friend Joanna Simpson who lost her life so brutally at the hands of her estranged husband. 

“Today I work with and alongside many incredible colleagues, who work and volunteer for Refuge, The Joanna Simpson Foundation, and sister organisations throughout the VAWG sector who work tirelessly to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse and whose commitment inspires me every day.

Hetti added: “There are so many people who have been alongside me on this journey over the years, but I must thank today my incredible husband and daughters without whose support I simply couldn't do what I do, and Diana Parkes, Jo’s mother, for working so bravely together with me for much-needed change.”

Joanna Simpson’s killing took place one week before the finalisation of their divorce. Joanna's body was found five days later buried in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park.

Despite evidence of considerable planning, Robert Brown was convicted of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility and sentenced to 26 years in prison.

This year, Diana and Hetti, alongside Joanna’s wider family and friends, successfully campaigned for the Justice Secretary to block Robert Brown’s early automatic release which would have taken place in November 2023, despite having served only half of his 26-year sentence.

Brown would have been on licence for the remaining 13 years if his early automatic release had not been blocked.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk blocked Brown’s release and referred it to the Parole Board under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.