THE FAMILY of a murdered woman say they want her to be remembered for achievements in life.

Jackie Hoadley was a prominent disability rights campaigner in Eastbourne.

She was the mother of three adopted disabled children, one of whom sadly died in the past.

The dedicated 58-year-old was not able to have children herself, but dedicated her life to raising and looking after the youngsters.

Her family said: "We would like everyone to focus on the achievements of her life especially the positive impact she has made for disability awareness and not for the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.”

The Argus: The family of Jackie Hoadley and DCI Andy Wolstenholme from Sussex Police outside Hove Crown CourtThe family of Jackie Hoadley and DCI Andy Wolstenholme from Sussex Police outside Hove Crown Court

DCI Andy Wolstenholme said: "Jacqueline leaves behind two children who she absolutely adored and spent her life caring for and it is our hope her memory will live on with those children and her wonderful family."

Previously, Jackie had petitioned the government over cuts, gaining the support of more than 80,000 people.

She visited Parliament in 2019 with former Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd to lobby then social care minister Caroline Dineage.

At the time Stephen Lloyd said: "It’s absolutely tragic news to hear of Jackie’s death.

“I did some work with her last year on various constituency issues so to hear this awful news out of the blue is just appalling."

The Argus: Jackie Hoadley was murdered at her home in EastbourneJackie Hoadley was murdered at her home in Eastbourne

In a final public Facebook post, she shared a quote which said: "You are strong enough to handle whatever's coming, even if it doesn't feel like it right now."

Her petition to the government called for free incontinence pads for disabled children and was signed 88,500 times.

The Chailey Heritage Foundation provided a lot of support for Jackie and her children.

The charity said: "We are very sad to confirm that Jackie Hoadley, who died in Eastbourne on July 5, was the mother of two young people at Chailey Heritage Foundation.

“Our whole community is deeply saddened by the tragic situation and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and Jackie’s friends at this time.

“We would like to pay tribute to Jackie as a devoted and caring mother and a committed campaigner for the rights of disabled children.

“She was well known by many of the parents at Chailey Heritage and she will be sorely missed by so many people.”