A family from Derbyshire are rallying together to help raise vital funds for children and families harmed by crime after the devastating loss of their 3-year-old nephew Harvey who was killed by his stepmother.

Car enthusiasts Duane and Dawn Finch, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, have entered the Two Ball Rally in the Lake District this month (September 15th/16th/17th) to raise vital funds and awareness for children’s charity Embrace Child Victims of Crime (Embrace).

Embrace is the only national children’s charity focusing solely on supporting children and young people harmed by crime, either as victims or witnesses.

The Finch family said their family had been left completely heartbroken after Harvey’s death and wanted to say a special thank you to Embrace for the transformational support they had received.

Little Harvey Borrington was killed in August 2021 by his stepmother Leila Borrington. She was found guilty of his manslaughter and was imprisoned.

Pictured: Harvey Borrington

Embrace was nominated by local police to provide support to the family. Thanks to a longstanding partnership with The Principal Trust, Embrace provided Harvey’s mother and brother with a holiday in Blackpool, giving them the chance to spend quality, healing time together, replacing painful memories with happier ones.

Additionally, Embrace provided Harvey’s brother with a longed-for Christmas present as part of the charity’s annual Christmas Dear Santa campaign and thanks to a partnership with Merlin’s Magic Wand Charity, Embrace were also able to offer tickets to Alton Towers for the family to enjoy a fully funded day out to build happy memories.

After receiving support from Embrace, Duane and Dawn wanted to give back to help other children and families in similar situations. They decided to enter the rally to fly the flag for other families whose lives have been torn apart by crime.

With help from friends and keen fundraisers Jayne Johnson and Dianne Noon, who went over and above to help raise funds for Embrace by kindly organising a fundraising event last month at the canteen facility at Alloga AP5 at South Normanton, Derbyshire, which included a Paw-patrol themed bake sale and raffle, raising an amazing £1,500 for Embrace. The rallying duo have now raised £1,780 in aid of Embrace and hope to raise more for the cause.

Pictured: Jayne Johnson, Dianne Noon and Duane Finch at their recent fundraiser.

Duane, a service engineer in the industrial battery power industry for Ecobat said: “Embrace went over and above to help our family at a time when they needed it most. When I asked Harvey’s mother who she would like us to fundraise for her first choice was Embrace, the support they provided to our family was incredible. Now we want to give back to say thank you and to help other families who have been in similar situations.”

To help raise awareness for Embrace, the Ford Focus rally car which was lovingly named ‘Paw Patrol’ after Harvey’s favourite TV Show has been branded with the charity’s logo.

Embrace CEO Anne Campbell said: “We are so grateful to Duane and Dawn for taking on the Two Ball Rally in memory of their nephew Harvey and to raise vital funding for Embrace. The impact of a tragic death of a sibling can have a devastating impact on a child and their family. We are so pleased to know that Embrace was able to help at such a difficult time. The money raised by Duane and Dawn will ensure that we can be there for other families in similar situations.”

If you would like to show your support donations can be made via https://www.facebook.com/donate/624548676294016/10229976190654080/

Embrace Child Victims of Crime works with children who have suffered trauma because of crime. They may be grieving the loss of their mum, dad, brother, sister, or other family member killed through crime. Some have experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, violence or exploitation or have been living in a home torn apart by domestic abuse. These children have had to deal with often unimaginable horrors in their young lives and agencies such as the police, social services or support charities refer them to Embrace to get the help and support they need.

To find out more about the support Embrace offers visit www.embracecvoc.org.uk

You can also call our helpline on 0345 60 999 60 from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.