As a mother of three, Sue Haworth faced unimaginable heartbreak when her identical twin sons, Harry and Jack, were tragically taken from her just three years apart. Harry, the elder twin by 10 minutes, succumbed to depression and ended his life, leaving an unfillable void in the family. Just three years later, tragedy struck again when Jack, a trainee barrister, was the victim of a senseless and unprovoked attack, losing his life at the age of 25.
Sue’s unwavering love for her sons is evident in her memories of their childhood bond. As little boys, Harry and Jack were inseparable, sharing an unbreakable connection and a love for outdoor activities. However, as they entered adolescence, they began to drift apart, causing Sue some sadness but always holding out hope that they would rediscover their closeness.
Harry’s death shattered the family, leaving Sue and Jack reeling from the loss. Jack, burdened by guilt and sorrow, became Sue’s pillar of support during those difficult months, providing her with the strength to carry on. He was a constant reminder of Harry, his identical appearance offering both comfort and a poignant reminder of the void left behind.
As Jack embarked on his career as a barrister, the family began to glimpse hope for the future. He and his girlfriend, Kaitlyn, were building a life together, planning for their future and bringing joy to Sue’s heart. However, fate had a cruel twist in store.
In August 2022, during a night out with friends, Jack encountered two individuals, Jake Parkinson and Jak Fairclough, who were fueled by aggression and homophobia. They instigated an unprovoked attack on Jack, punching him repeatedly and causing catastrophic brain injuries. Sue, who was in Malawi at the time, received the devastating news and immediately embarked on a harrowing journey home.
Upon her arrival in the UK, Sue was able to say her final goodbyes to her beloved son. Jack’s organs went on to save the lives of four people, a testament to the impact he had on the world. The family scattered his ashes at the same beach where they had shared so many cherished moments, marking the heartbreaking repetition of a loss she had endured just three years prior.
In March 2024, Jack’s attackers were convicted of manslaughter. Sue’s unwavering determination for justice prevailed, but her message goes beyond punishment. She urges everyone to think twice before resorting to violence, to remember Jack, and to choose compassion over aggression.
Through her pain, Sue has found solace in sharing her story, raising awareness about the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of mental health support. Her resilience and strength serve as an inspiration to others who have faced loss, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, hope and healing can emerge.
