WHEN Ian and Jacquie Clarke moved to the Tyne Valley three decades ago, they were rightly proud of their children.

In their youngest, Caroline, was a 21-year-old brimming with enthusiasm for life, who had lifelong ambitions of exploring the farthest reaches of the globe.

Quite rightly, the Clarkes were thrilled when she was able to embark on such an ambitious adventure, which should have been a wonderful start to her adult life.

Devastatingly for the Clarkes, news of their daughter’s death was something that no parents should ever hear.

For three decades, they have continued to remain part of the Tyne Valley, where they have settled and have made long-term friends.

But every so often, a development relating to the man who killed Caroline has led to widespread media attention.

Now, 18 months after the death of Ivan Milat, an Australian documentary has been screened, in which experts have made more claims about the serial killer.

Whenever the spotlight as been thrown on Caroline and her untimely demise, her parents have acted with dignity at all times, and they have demonstrated their ever-lasting pride in their daughter.

The Clarkes have vowed to watch the documentary, and they should be applauded for the way they have responded to the various events of the past three decades.

But as the 30th anniversary of Caroline’s death approaches, it is absolutely vital that her memory lives on in the Tyne Valley, in Surrey, in Australia and beyond.

Much has been said in recent times about the safety of women following the recent death of Sarah Everard in London.

Like Caroline, Sarah had North-East connections and was also a young woman who should have been looking forward to a bright and prosperous future.

As we remember Caroline and Sarah, we must all do our bit to keep all communities safe.

See also: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/19177786.hexhams-caroline-clarke-murder---new-evidence-emerges-australian-killer/