Walkers across the world to help launch charity in memory of family found dead in home outside Chichester

“It’s been the most horrific experience of mine and my family’s lives, I feel like I’ve been living in a nightmare or a police drama ever since.”
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Those were the words of Emma Ambler, who is launching a charity in the memory of her twin sister and two nieces, who died from gunshot wounds at a house in Woodmancote, outside Chichester, in March.

The bodies of 42-year-old Robert Needham, 40-year-old Kelly Fitzgibbons and their two children four-year-old Ava Needham and two-year-old Lexi Needham, were found a property in Duffield Lane, Woodmancote, near Westbourne.

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Hundreds of walkers are preparing to step out to raise money to launch a charity in the family's memory at 11am on Sunday, October 18.

Kelly Fitzgibbons and her two children, Ava and Lexi Needham, died from gunshot wounds in MarchKelly Fitzgibbons and her two children, Ava and Lexi Needham, died from gunshot wounds in March
Kelly Fitzgibbons and her two children, Ava and Lexi Needham, died from gunshot wounds in March

The walk has been organised by Kelly’s twin sister, Emma, who hopes to raise the £5,000 required to set up a charity via JustGiving. Emma intends The Kelly Fitzgibbons Foundation to provide emotional, financial and legal advice to families who lose loved ones in traumatic circumstances.

"It’s been the most horrific experience of mine and my family’s lives," Emma said. "I feel like I’ve been living in a nightmare or a police drama ever since.

“I want to make Kelly proud and ensure her, Ava and Lexi’s memory lives on."

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'In line with social distancing measures', individual walks will be taking place all over the world, from Birmingham to Brisbane, in Australia.

Emma Ambler is launching a charity in the memory of her twin sister, Kelly FitzgibbonsEmma Ambler is launching a charity in the memory of her twin sister, Kelly Fitzgibbons
Emma Ambler is launching a charity in the memory of her twin sister, Kelly Fitzgibbons

A number of walkers will be setting out in distanced groups of six from Kelly’s memorial bench in Bosham.

With the Kelly Fitzgibbons Foundation, Emma hopes her experience will help families 'navigate the complex consequences' of hearing the news 'no family wants to hear'.

The foundation will follow the models of charities such as the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, using tragic circumstances as 'catalysts for powerful, positive change in honour of the deceased'.

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The event can be followed on social media using the hashtag #WalkForKel and Emma is encouraging people to take part where Covid-19 restrictions permit.

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