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Damien Edgar

Natalie McNally's family plan events to create legacy of "love, positivity and goodwill"

The family of murdered Lurgan woman Natalie McNally have said they want her legacy to be one of positivity and have planned events in her memory.

Natalie, 32, was fatally attacked at her Silverwood Green home in Lurgan on December 18, while she was 15 weeks pregnant.

Her family have planned a Power Brunch event on April 22 in The Corner House in Lurgan to remember her and to raise funds for Women's Aid.

Read more: Snow pictures across Northern Ireland as freezing weather causes disruption

"We don't want Natalie's legacy to be what happened to her," said Hollie Donnelly, Natalie's sister-in-law.

"She would have wanted to have a legacy of love, positivity and good will.

"I know that if this had happened to any of us, Natalie would be at the forefront advocating for change and fighting for a stop to violence against women, so that's what we're going to try and do in her memory."

The brunch event has a number of features planned and the family have said it will be the first event among others throughout the year that will focus on creating a lasting legacy for Natalie.

"Our aim is to do good in her memory, we want her name to be out there and for people to remember the good things we're doing since she passed away," said Hollie.

"The brunch is to bring women together in a safe space, to spend time in good company and remember Natalie for the wonderful, beautiful inspiring lady that she really was.

"All while doing this we'll be raising money for Women's Aid, which is a charity which has been chosen by Noel and Bernie and the three boys ( Natalie's parents and three brothers.)."

Hollie said that while the brunch was a chance to bring people together, there would be practical help there for women as well.

"We've arranged guest speakers, we're going to have live music and we're going to have a self-defence demonstration," she added.

"Natalie's cousin Gemma had organised a similar brunch in Dublin a few weeks ago which we went down to.

"She had a self-defence demonstration at it and I did find it hard to sit through obviously because of what happened to Natalie.

"It's important though because I did come away having learned things I never would have thought of and if it's going to help someone if they ever found themselves in the unfortunate circumstances of needing to use it, that's what we want to do."

The Lurgan community which was so deeply shaken by Natalie's tragic murder has rallied around the family, in particular helping with donating prizes for a raffle on the day.

The prizes include a £500 voucher for the Galgorm Resort, a night at the Harcourt Hotel in Dublin and other prizes are set to be announced.

"The response has been overwhelming and we've had about 70 prizes donated to us, so we've other events happening in the year too so we'll spread those out," Hollie said.

"Just the response from the community was totally overwhelming and it's just nice to know that there's people out there that want to help us, there is kind people in the world and the kindness from people is heart-warming.

"We have set up a JustGiving page for Women's Aid and anyone that donates over £5 will be entered into the raffle and some of the prizes are absolutely class, people have been so kind.

"I was collecting some prizes during the week and everyone's still so upset about what happened to Natalie and people were tearful with me.

"It has really rocked everyone and it's affected so many more than just our family, it's the whole community."

Hollie said the event in Dublin had raised around €3,000 for Women's Aid and the Rape Crisis Centre and she had high hopes for the good that the Lurgan event could do.

"We're hoping for this event in Lurgan to be even bigger than the one in Dublin," she said.

"It's in her hometown and it gives the people of the community a chance to come together.

"We will have other events throughout the year as well."

One man has been charged with the murder of Natalie McNally and the trial continues.

For those wanting to attend the event, tickets can be bought on Eventbrite.

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