The 23-year-old teacher was killed last week on an afternoon run in Ireland
CARDIFF residents will pay their respects tomorrow to Ashling Murphy, the 23-year-old teacher who was killed while out jogging in County Offaly last week.
A candlelight vigil will be held at the bandstand in Grange Gardens, Grangetown at 6.00pm tomorrow (Wednesday) followed by a group run.
A minute’s silence was held at schools across Ireland today after Ms Murphy’s funeral.
“Speaking to friends in Cardiff, there is a real need for this event here. We need a moment to reflect on Ashling’s death and to honour the sadness of it,” said Katie Elin-Salt, 33, of Grangetown, who organised the event.
Ms Murphy was killed on an afternoon run last Wednesday, January 12, sparking international outrage on social media.
Attendees will light candles and hold a minute’s silence in memory of Ms Murphy. Afterwards, there will be a short, optional run in Grangetown led by volunteers.
Cardiff Parkrun and Grange Pavilion are supporting the event to make sure it goes ahead safely.
Similar vigils have been held across the UK and Ireland over the past week.
Ms Elin-Salt said: “I decided to organise this event to show solidarity. People, especially women, are very angry and that anger is totally justified. This is a way for us to stand up to violence against women.”
The route has been planned by Run Grangetown and will go from Grange Gardens, through Hamadryad Park, up to the Senedd and back to Grange Pavilion.
Sara Robinson, Grangetown’s Welsh Labour candidate, is one of the volunteers leading the run. She said: “I am taking part as a woman and as a runner, as somebody who feels deeply shaken by this murder.
“I run three or four times a week myself, often alone, so it really hits home that we, as women, are not safe even in broad daylight.
“Events like this are important as we can show solidarity and give an opportunity for the people of Cardiff to grieve, to pay tribute to Ashling and to gather together. There is strength in numbers at times like this.”
Ms Elin-Salt added: “Everyone is welcome: all ages, gender and abilities. You can walk if you prefer.”
People are asked to bring their own candles and to wear face coverings during the vigil.
- For more information on the event, click here.
