THE family of a young Deeside woman who was brutally murdered by her estranged husband have taken a step closer to changing laws in her memory.

Jade Ward, a 27-year-old mum-of-four, was murdered at her home on Chevrons Road on the night of August 25, 2021.

Russell Marsh, from Shotton, was found guilty of the crime earlier this year and received a life sentence.

Despite Marsh's conviction, he is still entitled to ask for school reports, receive updates and have a say in his children’s upbringing while serving his sentence in prison.

But Jade's Law, a petition launched to call for the automatic suspension of parental responsibility (PR) rights of any parent found guilty of murdering the other parent, has gained almost 120,000 signatures.

On Wednesday, Jade's parents, family members and friends visited Parliament to tell MPs about the initiative and seek their backing to have it brought into force.

The Leader: Paul Ward and Karen Robinson, Edwin Duggan, Jade's sister Pip and her partner Liam, Jade's friends Taylor, Flossy and Emily and Jade's Aunt Angela, with Mark Tami MP. Image provided by Edwin DugganPaul Ward and Karen Robinson, Edwin Duggan, Jade's sister Pip and her partner Liam, Jade's friends Taylor, Flossy and Emily and Jade's Aunt Angela, with Mark Tami MP. Image provided by Edwin Duggan

READ MORE: MP pledges to back Jade's Law "every step of the way”

After the meeting Jade's dad, Paul Ward, said: "It's been really good - it blew us away a bit, but we spoke to the MPs.

"It was a bittersweet thing, but it's gotten the message out there.

"Everyone we spoke to was on board."

Jade's mum Karen Robinson said: "It went absolutely amazing; so, so positive.

"I think now it's only a matter of time, we have so many MP's for us.

"It means so much and it makes me feel like we're getting something done so quickly."

Edwin Duggan, a law graduate and a close friend of Jade's family, launched the petition and joined the group in London on Wednesday.

After the meeting he told the Leader: "We spoke with the Shadow Justice Secretary and some MPs in the Ministry of Justice.

"[Jade's parents] have spoken to people in senior government and nothing is certain in this world, but they have been assured that somewhere along the line it's very likely Jade's Law will be included in a new bill or slotted into existing legislation.

The Leader: Jade WardJade Ward (Image: UGC)

READ MORE: Family of Jade Ward pay tribute after Russell Marsh jailed

Speaking of the response to the petition, he said: "I did not expect the number would have broken through the 100,000 mark so quickly.

"The more numbers we have, the more weight it has when it goes to debate so I'd encourage people to keep signing.

"Everything that happens for the family's sake can only be a positive thing - if it helps them through their grieving process, if it gives something to focus on and if we can help other people in the future, that's even better."

Mr Duggan said the group wished to thank Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami for his help in arranging the parliamentary visit.

After the visit, the group - made up of Paul Ward and Karen Robinson, Mr Duggan, Jade's sister Pip and her partner Liam, Jade's friends Taylor, Flossy and Emily and Jade's Aunt Angela - went to Trafalgar Square to hand out leaflets about the petition.

To sign the petition, click here.