Susan Everard, the mother of Sarah Everard, has published a heartfelt tribute in British Vogue to mark the fifth anniversary of her daughter's tragic death. In the piece, she fondly recalls how Sarah "added to the beauty of the world," celebrating her vibrant personality and principled nature.
A Mother's Loving Memories
Susan Everard wrote movingly about her daughter's passions, including her love for travel, dancing, and her sharp sense of humour. She described Sarah as a thoughtful and dependable individual who lived with integrity and decency. The tribute highlights a photograph of Sarah taken by Vogue at the V Festival in 2010, which her mother says she was "thrilled" to feature in as part of a street fashion series.
"It was 2010 when the photograph was taken and, although it is bittersweet, I love to see her, happy and beautiful, with her whole life ahead of her," Susan Everard wrote. "It was a golden time when she had recently graduated and was back home from travels to south-east Asia and already making plans for future adventures."
Sarah's Global Spirit and Character
Sarah Everard, a marketing executive, had explored destinations across South America, South Africa, and Nepal, reflecting her curiosity about the world. Her mother noted that she "made the most of life" and cared deeply for others, even worrying about her family during the pandemic. Susan Everard also reminisced about small joys, such as swapping recipes with her daughter, and described Sarah as "a beautiful dancer" with a large network of dear friends.
"Most of all, she was a loving and caring young woman; her many friendships are a testament to her lovely nature. She added to the beauty of the world," her mother concluded in the tribute.
Police Acknowledgment and Ongoing Reforms
The publication of Susan Everard's tribute coincided with statements from Britain's most senior police officer, Sir Mark Rowley, who praised the family's "extraordinary dignity in the face of unbearable grief." Sarah Everard, aged 33, was raped and murdered by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens on March 3, 2021, after he falsely claimed she had breached Covid lockdown rules.
In a statement, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressed profound sorrow, stating: "Sarah Everard should still be here. Five years have passed since her senseless and devastating murder. What happened to her was a profound betrayal: of her, of her family and loved ones, and of every person who places their trust in policing."
Impact on Policing and Subsequent Cases
Sir Mark emphasized that Couzens' actions represented an "unthinkable abuse of power" that shook policing to its core. Couzens received a whole-life jail term in September 2021, and Susan Everard's victim impact statement during the trial helped expose another predator within the Met, David Carrick, who was later convicted as a serial rapist.
These cases prompted critical reviews, including a March 2023 report by Baroness Louise Casey, which found the Met to be institutionally racist, misogynist, and homophobic. A February 2024 inquiry by Dame Elish Angiolini concluded that the Met and other forces could have prevented Couzens from becoming a police officer.
In response, Sir Mark has led efforts to reform the Met, resulting in 1,500 officers and staff being dismissed, resigning, or retiring over the past three years.
Political Responses and Calls for Safety
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan acknowledged that "much more work to do" remains to ensure women and girls feel safe in the capital, pledging to "do everything in my power to help end violence against women and girls." Similarly, Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, expressed her commitment to ensuring women and girls can "live free from fear and harm."
As the fifth anniversary passes, Susan Everard's tribute serves as a poignant reminder of Sarah's life and the ongoing efforts to address systemic issues within policing and society at large.
