By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A YEAR and a half since Maddison Murphy-West was found dead in her Pakenham home, a second rally will be held in her memory this weekend to raise money for her three-year-old son.
Maddy’s family, friends and loved ones will once again gather at Casey Fields on Sunday 3 May in memory of the smiling, blonde, 20-year-old, and help raise funds to go towards the future and education of her son, Noah.
Maddy was found dead at her Ahern Road home in Pakenham on 23 October, 2013, and homicide squad detectives continue to investigate the death.
The first Rally for Maddy was held at Casey Fields last year and Maddy’s family have been busy preparing for this year’s event.
The anti-violence rally was first organised after media reports emerged last year that Maddy was allegedly physically assaulted in the year before her mystery death.
Maddy’s mum, Paula, said the rally would always be a bittersweet memorial for her and her family.
“I can’t say I feel any better from the day it happened, I feel a lot worse,” she said.
“Especially around this time of the year. I have compassionate friends, and it does drag a lot up. It can help in a little way but at the same time, nothing gets any easier.
“You’ve just got to keep going, that’s what Maddy would want anyway and that’s what the boys need.
“Hopefully we get some nice weather and people roll up.”
The “boys” are Paula’s two-year-old son, Brydon, and Noah, who she now has custody of.
As well as to Noah, some of the funds raised will go towards victims of crime and domestic violence groups.
Roughly $10,000 was raised at last year’s rally.
For more information, visit the Justice for Maddy Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/657933000919370/
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
