A MOTHER whose daughter was killed on Christmas Day has joined a national campaign calling for greater action against violence towards women and girls.

Killed Women, which say a woman is killed by a man every three days, is a campaign organisation and network for bereaved families. It aims to ensure justice for those whose lives have been lost and improve the support of families left behind.

Joanne Tulip, 29, was murdered by farm labourer Steven Ling on December 25, 1997.

Hairdresser Joanne met Ling while out with friends on Christmas Eve before she was stabbed 60 times at his Stamfordham home.

Twenty-three-year-old Ling carved crosses and swastikas on her body before and after death. He also attempted to set fire to her body.

Ling told police he wanted to kill himself because he had also raped Joanne before killing her – but he never stood trial for rape. 

On December 2, 1998, Ling received a mandatory life sentence and was ordered to spend a minimum of 17 years and 25 days in prison. This term expired in 2015.

In March this year, his bid to move to an open prison was rejected. His next review is in May 2023.

As part of the campaign, Joanne's mother, Doreen Soulsby, of Wall, described her daughter as "a happy girl and so friendly, smiling and laughing throughout her life from being a toddler. Her bubbly laughter, caring and thoughtfulness for others brought so much joy to me and those whose lives she touched.

"The memory of how caring and thoughtful she was with people outside the family home only came to me after her death. I was so proud to hear how she used to put cards through letterboxes when she hadn’t seen friends and colleagues for a while just asking how they were.

"A successful, talented hair stylist and very popular with clients and staff.

"A generous girl with very little money when she had ME towards the end of her life, not working and on benefits. She insisted on buying birthday/Christmas presents for people and got into debt. Her kindness and thoughtfulness to others was so important to her, which is a great comfort to me now without her.

"Joanne was a constant worry for me as she always saw only the good in people and never suspected a bad person."

Ten other families have backed the campaign and a fundraising page has amassed over £7,000.

To donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bereaved-families-tackle-male-violence