THE devastating impact of Ruth Baker’s death has been spelled out in a series of poignant victim impact statements made by her family.
Recalling the day after her mum died, one of Ms Baker’s daughters said: "It should have been a weekend of celebrations.
“Her youngest grandson was turning four the previous day and while most people were spending time with family, we spent the day in shock and horror as our family liaison officer had to try to explain why our mother wasn't returning
“How are we as a family going to move on when the person who brought us into the world is no longer in it? My youngest sister had to upheave her life to live with me and my family.
"We were threatened with eviction from a landlord who wouldn't give permission for her to live with us and her two dogs who have been there most of her life.”
She said the previous few months were the toughest.
“Too many times I have grabbed my phone to tell her about something that has just happened and to send her pictures or talk to her, when I wake up for work only for the crushing realisation that it is not possible,” she wrote.
"She had so many plans and so many things she wanted to do. Her dancing days have been mercilessly taken from her. I fear I will never truly recover. We will just keep her star shining forever."
Read more: Boyfriend who murdered Carlisle mum had history of attacking women
Ruth Baker’s son said: “No one had a bad thing to say about her.
“She wouldn't see anyone suffer and would give help to anyone who needed it. She had a rare, instinctive gift for bringing happiness and love into the world...
"She will miss so many important milestones." Another of Ruth’s daughters said she had “the gentlest and kindest of hearts."
"I believe this will impact me long into the years of my life as I have barely scratched the surface of comprehending this act,” she wrote.
“Not only have I lost my mum, but I feel I have lost my childhood and my future feels tainted knowing my mum won't participate in it...
"It pains me that I have a whole life to lead that she won't be present for.
“People I am yet to meet who won't be able to bask in the warmth of her. I no longer fear death and that frightens me. Death doesn't scare me because it is where she is and what she is."
After George Chalmers was jailed for the murder, Ruth's family issued the following statement: “We would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and the prosecution team for all their hard work and the liaison officers for all the support we have been given over the past seven months.
"We are so grateful too for the love and support we have received from our family and close friends.
“We would like to take this opportunity to urge all those people who find themselves stuck in an unsafe relationship to find the strength to seek out support and find bravery to out before they too are taken from us unnecessarily.”
For more information, see Cumbria Police's How to Report Domestic Abuse page.
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