Family vow to help others after "unbearable loss"

MUCH-MISSED: Tracy Stonehouse with daughter
Kerry Ann O'Connell and son Lewis Cottrill.

THE family of a Chelmsley Wood woman murdered by her husband have said they do not wish for her death to be in vain and have vowed to help other victims of domestic violence.
Arthur Stonehouse, 73, was this week jailed for life after admitting killing his wife Tracy in April.
On Monday, a Judge at Birmingham Crown Court ordered that Stonehouse serve a minimum of 13 years and four months behind bars.
Detectives revealed that the defendant's relationship with his wife had become strained before her death.
On the evening of April 6, the couple had argued at a local club before returning to Stonehouse's Coralin Close flat.
It was here that he attacked his wife, inflicting blows to her head and face, strangling her and finally stabbing her six times.
Det Insp Caroline Corfield said: "He then sent texts and made phone calls to a number of family and friends admitting to attacking her after she stated their relationship was over. Police and paramedics forced entry to Arthur’s flat and found him with Tracy’s body. Tragically, nothing could be done to save her.
"Arthur was 73-years-old but Tracy was only 51 and had so much to live for. Tracy leaves behind a wonderful family who are devastated by her loss. I know the outcome of the case offers them little consolation and our thoughts remain with them."
In a statement, Tracy's family said: "She was a huge part of all our lives. She was the glue that held our family together. The impact this has had on our family is unbearable.
"She will always be in our hearts and thoughts. We love you so much Mom and miss you millions."
Daughter Kerry Ann added: "We don’t want Mom’s death to be in vain. We are working with Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid to help other families of women suffering domestic violence. No family should ever have to go through what we are going through."
Anyone suffering at the hands of an abusive partner can get help by calling 101, visiting the West Midlands Police website or dialling the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.