Horse racing commentator Matt Chapman today set up a GoFundMe page for John and Amy Hunt, after they lost three family members in the attack on Tuesday night.
Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were murdered at their home in Ashlyn Close, sparking a manhunt across Hertfordshire and north London.
To all of you – friends, caring people and all those involved in racing and sports
The family of @huntycaller was devastated by the murders of Carol, Hannah and Louise 🙏
Many want to help
This is an official place to do it.
🙏🙏https://t.co/iCzy5Onad5 #GoFundMe
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) July 13, 2024
Matt wrote that he created the page with a “heavy heart,” adding: “I’m sure, like me, you’ve been numb to what’s happened.”
The fundraiser is aiming to raise £50,000 and has appealed for the public’s help to raise money for the family during these “devastating times”.
(Left) Hannah Hunt, (right) Louise Hunt. Inset: John and Carol Hunt photographed in 2015. (Photo: Facebook/Hannah Hunt, Louise Hunt, Carol Hunt)
“This is a special family who are heartbroken,” the presenter added. “Please do whatever you can to show them how much we care and love them.”
The page has raised more than £2,300 from 42 donations just two hours after it was created, including a £1,000 donation from Matt Chapman, and comes after the family spoke out for the first time since the attack.
A minute’s silence is observed for Carol, Louise and Hannah Hunt in Newmarket. (Photo: David Davies/Jockey Club/PA)
In a statement released by police, John and Amy said: “The devastation we are experiencing cannot be described in words.
“We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received over the past few days. They have brought us great comfort for which we are very grateful.
“As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us and we need time and space to come to terms with what has happened and begin the grieving process. In the meantime, we ask that you respect our privacy and that of our family and relationships. Thank you.”
“Words seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can do is offer some comfort by trying to show the warmth and respect in which John and his family are held.”
We are all thinking of you, John ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5qsj0REHYQ
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) July 11, 2024
The horse racing community showed its solidarity with the BBC correspondent as minutes of silence were observed at Newmarket and Doncaster racecourse on Thursday (July 11) and jockeys wore black armbands.
Commentator Richard Hoiles made an emotional statement at the start of ITV’s coverage, saying that “words simply seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances”.
He added: “It is impossible to rationalise such a heinous, unnecessary and terrible act in modern society.
Racing TV’s Nick Luck also offered his condolences, adding: “We are thinking of you John and your daughter Amy.”
