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The Molly McLaren Foundation founded to honour Chatham murder victim to ‘wind down’

A charity founded to honour the legacy of Molly McLaren has announced it is “winding down”.

The foundation was set up by Molly McLaren’s family and friends after her ex-boyfriend Joshua Stimpson, 26, was jailed for life for her murder in 2018. He had savagely attacked her in a Chatham car park.

Molly died aged 23 after being attacked by her former boyfriend in 2017
Molly died aged 23 after being attacked by her former boyfriend in 2017

Five years later, the Molly McLaren Foundation has announced it will be ‘sadly’ closing down its services.

The charity provided advice and funding for those with eating disorders, aiming to continue the work that Molly, who suffered with bulimia, had started with a blog sharing her experience.

On social media, the charity, run by Molly’s parents, Joanne and Doug McLaren, shared a post regarding their decision: “Sadly we have to announce that the charity will be winding down.

“We have sponsored 24 individuals with our partners at Rewrite Your Story. We have fulfilled our commitment to the Charities Commission

“Watch out for the Mollyfest farewell tour, it's coming. Thanks to everyone who has supported our charity.”

The Molly McLaren Foundation team who organised MollyFest. Picture: Tony Jones
The Molly McLaren Foundation team who organised MollyFest. Picture: Tony Jones

Mollyfest is a music festival style fundraising event the charity has run annually since its inception.

The organisation has raised over £100,000 since it was founded by her parents alongside close friend Amelia Davies.

In response to the announcement one social media user said: “Molly would be so incredibly proud and grateful.

“What you have achieved is incredible and the lives impacted means everything to those individuals and families. Sad but so proud of you all.”

Molly, who studied at the University of Kent, died aged 23 after an attack at the Chatham Dockside Outlet shopping centre car park in June 2017. It was a crime which shocked the nation.

The Molly McLaren Foundation helps people with eating disorders after the former University of Kent student struggled herself
The Molly McLaren Foundation helps people with eating disorders after the former University of Kent student struggled herself

Her former partner Joshua Stimpson, from Wouldham, was found guilty of the crime and jailed for life with a minimum term of 26 years at the trial where it was revealed he stabbed Molly around 75 times after their relationship came to an end.

Despite announcing their intention to end their charitable activities, the organisation has yet to share their reasons for this decision.

The Molly McLaren Foundation has been contacted for comment.

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