Janice Collins was determined to make sure nobody else had to endure the torment she went through, as Guy Woodford reports...

J​ANICE Collins was always the first to comfort the families of Nottingham’s gun victims.

She wanted to show them she knew exactly what they were going through.

That was because her own son’s high-profile murder remained unsolved for eight years, until justice was finally done earlier this year.

Paula Platt was still in shock the morning after her 14-year-old daughter, Danielle Beccan, was shot dead in St Ann’s in October, 2004.

She had never met Janice but was contacted by her within hours of returning from the hospital.

“Although you’ve got police family liaison officers there, with Janice you had someone who knew how it feels.

“Her work in that regard will never, ever be forgotten.

“She was an absolute trouper and fierce in going after what she believed was right.

“She was not afraid to say what too many people were afraid to say.

“Hopefully she’s at peace. My heartfelt condolences go out to all her family.

Former St Ann’s resident Lucy Cope, founder of the Mothers Against Guns campaign group, said: “It’s a massive loss for Nottingham.

“Brendon’s twin brother, Calvin, and the grandchildren are devastated and lost for words.

“She’s played a big part in bringing gun crime in Nottingham down and making it as calm as it is now.

“She was a woman with amazing courage and an amazing mother.

“Janice was a rock to many, many mothers who lost their children.

“I only found out six to eight weeks ago that Janice had cancer. There was nothing they could do. It was too far advanced.”

Trish Bergan’s son, Eugene, was stabbed to death outside the family home in Strelley in December 2002.

Trish said: “Janice was a pillar in Nottingham and her hard work will carry on.

“She was a lovely person who wanted justice for her son.

“She was kind and would do anything for anybody.”

Nottingham police divisional commander, temporary Chief Superintendent David Walker, described Janice as a “special lady”.

He said: “Despite the heavy burden of grief and the long years waiting for justice, she became passionate about the needs of all victims of crime.

“She believed victims should have a voice and be heard. But she also believed they could make a difference in helping prevent crime, to ensure other people wouldn’t have to endure similar suffering.”

Nottingham City Council leader Councillor Jon Collins said: “Janice was a fearless and tireless campaigner against gun crime in Nottingham and in getting justice for her son.

“She was a very clear and articulate advocate for tackling gun crime because she knew first-hand what the tragic consequences were.”