A Swindon-based charity set-up to help families that have survived domestic abuse or trauma has been given a brand-new website to help it provide support to more victims.
Local business Gel Studios launched a competition in October to find a worthy charitable cause to donate a new bespoke website worth £5,000 to and a panel of notable figures in the town chose Swindon Sister's Alliance.
Emma King, 40, from Penhill, started the Community Interest Company (CIC) to help people rebuild their lives after domestic abuse in memory of her sister, Julie.
Read: Sister of Chiseldon killer's victim sets up charity to support sufferers of domestic abuse.
Read: Domestic abuse survivors given family getaways in Somerset
The Swindon Sisters Alliance charity shop opened in the Parade before Christmas and has since been offering trips to a holiday home in Brean, Somerset for several families.
Julie was murdered by her estranged husband Richard Butcher who strangled her at their Chiseldon home in 2005.
He was given a life sentence in 2006 and was allowed out on licence in October, but Emma successfully campaigned for him to be banned from Swindon.
Managing Director of GEL Studios, Graeme Leighfield said:"Swindon Sisters Alliance really stood out to me and the other judges.
"Reading Emma's story of how she's personally overcome adversities to help others rebuild their lives was truly inspiring. We can't wait to begin working on their new website so that Swindon Sisters Alliance can continue the vital work they do for our community".
The judging panel included Graeme, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Town FC CEO Rob Angus, Born Again Swindonian's Angela Atkinson, Swindon 105.5's station manager Shirley Ludford and New Elements, Rod Hebden.
Their decision means that Emma and the other volunteers will be able to reach more people with the dedicated website and divert funds she was going to use towards helping more people.
"Swindon Sisters Alliance are extremely grateful to GEL Studios and the panel of judges for selecting us as the overall winners. This is a truly incredible opportunity for us," she said.
"We have two donation shops in Swindon. All of the sales we make through the shops help to keep Julie's Haven, a respite holiday, free to those who need it most.
"We can now use the funds that we would have invested into a website, into continuing to help more families who have experienced domestic abuse, homicide or suicide".
The Swindon Sisters Alliance also aims to make a bid for full charitable status in the future.
GEL Studios have previously donated websites to Swindon Food Collective, Threshold and RunVember.
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