Wife of Walesby man killed in Tunisia terror attack campaigning for change

The widow of a Walesby man killed in the Tunisia terror attacks has vowed to honour his legacy by continuing to campaign for change – five years after the tragedy.
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Cheryl Stollery’s 58-year-old husband, John died in the atrocity at Sousse on June 26, 2015.

The couple had been holidaying with their son Matt at the Imperial Marhaba Hotel when a total of 38 people, including 30 British holidaymakers, were killed during a mass shooting.

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Law firm Irwin Mitchell represents 22 families of Britons who died and more than 50 Britons who suffered life changing injuries including gunshot and shrapnel wounds.

Cheryl and John StolleryCheryl and John Stollery
Cheryl and John Stollery

Among their clients is Cheryl, who has spent the last few years campaigning for ‘lessons to be learned.’

Cheryl said: “I remain as committed as ever to bring about effective change to help victims and survivors of terrorism but in particular overseas victims.

“These families can often be forgotten as time progresses. However, our need for support is quite often more complicated by the nature of the terrorist incident taking place overseas where different laws, languages and customs are in place.”

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Cheryl works with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, charities and campaign groups the Counter-Terrorism Advisory Network and the Counter-Terrorism Victim and Survivors group.

John Stollery who died in the Tunisian terror attackJohn Stollery who died in the Tunisian terror attack
John Stollery who died in the Tunisian terror attack

She added: “While time passes our family’s grief for John doesn’t. He was a wonderful husband and father who always wanted the best, not only for our family but others in society through his job as a social worker.

“We are determined to honour his legacy by campaigning for change to create a more tolerant and cohesive society. We never want other families to go through what we have but it’s important that there is better awareness and understanding of the support for families who may need it if the worst happens.

“It’s vital to ensure that all agencies and organisations work together to help make a positive change.”

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Kylie Hutchison, one of the team of lawyers at Irwin Mitchell said: “The hurt and pain families continue to face is as strong now as it was five years ago. Many of our clients still face challenges to overcome physical and psychological trauma.”

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