Babes in the Woods: Dad overwhelmed by support for grave cleaning plea

Barrie Fellows took to social media to ask if anyone could help clean the final resting place of his daughter and her best friend, who were murdered in Brighton's Wild Park in 1986.

The 73-year-old no longer lives in the city so he is unable to tend to the headstones remembering Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway.

Hundreds of people responded to his call for help, with Barrie offering his thanks to members of the public for their support.

Barrie told The Argus: “I was overwhelmed by the response. It’s nice to be supported by the people of Brighton.

“It means everything to me, it’s my daughter after all, and Karen of course. They are our children and their memory must live on.

“I want to thank everybody who said they would do this, that’s so overwhelming. Some of the comments are really, really nice.”

Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway's grave (Image: Newsquest)

Nicola and Karen were laid to rest in Brighton, with family and friends regularly leaving flowers and tributes at their grave. 

However, in recent years the stonework has become discloured and the grass has become overgrown.

After his post on Facebook, Barrie was inundated with offers of support and advice, as well as recommending people who could help with the job.

One user commented: “Lots of love and respect on here.

"If no one has one perhaps a few of us could lend a hand to do it free of charge?

"Don’t think anyone should or would charge for anything related to this family.”

• READ MORE: Survivor of Russell Bishop speaks out after 32 years

Another user added: “I hope you get this sorted so the grave of your daughter and her friend can be cleaned.

"Sending loving hugs and thoughts.”

Barrie, who lives in Liverpool, says that he is now in contact with someone who has offered to clean the grave free of charge.

Nicola Fellows, left, and Karen Hadaway (Image: Newsquest)

The deaths of Nicola and Karen, both nine, prompted a lengthy murder investigation by Sussex Police.

The girls were both murdered by Russell Bishop, who escaped justice for 32 years following errors by police, forensic experts and prosecutors.

He was finally convicted of the murders in 2018 after previously being jailed for a third attack in Devil’s Dyke.

Bishop died in prison from cancer in January, 2022.