Terrie Grinham was 18 when her mum Christina Murray was strangled to death by an abusive partner.

In August 2004 Raymond Bennett, 42, murdered bartender Mrs Murray at Beckenham’s Liberal Club after a row over a light fitting.

Mrs Grinham (nee Murray) said the pain has never left her, but has tried to take something positive out of the tragedy by campaigning for charity Women’s Aid (WA).

The accounts assistant, now 28 and living in Sidcup with her husband and son Teddy, told News Shopper: "It’s been really hard.

"When I got married it was so awful not having her by my side, and not having her there when I had a baby.

"Me and my sisters are really close and support each other, but we still have the occasional wobble - it will never leave us.

"He was in our lives less than four months but he’s left an irreparable void."

But Mrs Grinham has found solace in organising fundraising events for WA, by helping prevent others from going through what she did.

She explained how she had no idea her mum was suffering at the hands of Bennett - and by the time she did it was too late.

Mrs Grinham explained: "My mum didn’t tell anyone about what was going on. If she had known about WA she might have been able to get help.

"My mum’s a victim but I’m a surviving part of that.

"It’s good to share my side - if that makes one person speak up it’s worth it."

Along with her two sisters, Carly and Lisa, her latest project is a 10-year anniversary ball to commemorate her mum, raise funds for WA, and show others there can be a "way out".

October's ‘Pink Tie and Diamonds Ball’, at the Selsdon Park Hotel in Sanderstead, will be Mrs Grinham’s biggest do yet.

She said: "I’m really excited - I’m pleased with how far we’ve come.

"It’s not just about my mum, it’s a bigger picture. It’s about everyone."

WA chief executive Polly Neate, who will be speaking at the evening, said: "Two women are killed every week by a partner or ex-partner, and we must remember that each woman leaves family and friends behind who have to live with a devastating loss.

"We are enormously grateful to Terrie for deciding to fundraise in memory of her mother."

Bennett, formerly a postman of Clock House Road in Beckenham, was found guilty at The Old Bailey and in July 2005 sentenced to 12 years. He will soon be eligible to apply for parole.

For more information on the ball and to book a ticket visit: www.facebook.com/thepinktieanddiamondsball