Libby Squire’s mum announced as guest speaker for Women in Business event

MUM AND DAUGHTER: Lisa and Libby Squire

By Rick Lyon

The mother of murdered Libby Squire has been announced as the guest speaker for the Women in Business Charity Lunch.

Libby, who was a student at the University of Hull, was killed by Pawel Relowicz in the early hours of February 1, 2019. She had been on a night out with friends but had been refused entry into a nightclub and sent home in a taxi on her own. Her disappearance sparked Humberside Police’s biggest ever missing persons enquiry. 

When Relowicz was arrested, his DNA was put through the police database and found to be a match for several unsolved non-contact sexual offences in and around the student areas of Hull. Two years later, Relowicz was found guilty of the rape and murder of Libby and given a life sentence, with a minimum tariff of 27 years.

Libby’s mum, Lisa Squire, has since launched the Libby Campaign to encourage women and girls to report non-contact sexual offences.

Karen Newton, Chair of Women in Business, said: “We are so pleased that Lisa has agreed to speak to us at our charity lunch. 

“She is an incredibly powerful speaker and I am in awe of how she has turned something so unimaginable into a positive by launching the Libby Campaign. 

‘POWERFUL SPEAKER’: Lisa Squire will discuss the Libby Campaign at the Women in Business Charity Lunch

“I think people are going to be surprised by Lisa’s constant positive attitude and absolute commitment to raise awareness of non-contact sexual offences. Lisa will speak about her beautiful daughter Libby, and how Libby helps her continue to stay strong, positive and campaign for all women and girls to be safe.”

The City of Hull Street Angels is Women in Business’s chosen charity for the luncheon. The Street Angels help those in need on nights out in Hull and funds raised at the event will go directly to them.

Lisa said: “Since Libby was killed, I have worked closely with Humberside Police to launch the Libby Campaign, which encourages women and girls to report any non-contact sexual offences as well as reminding men and boys that such behaviours will not be tolerated.

“I now go into schools to tell Libby’s story. I truly believe that when people know better, they do better. 

“My hope is that no intoxicated young person will ever be sent home alone. I also campaign for life sentences to be just that - life behind bars.

“Libby continues to be as present in my life now, as she was before she was killed. Her strength and love are guiding me through this unknown and unwanted new life.

MUCH-LOVED: Libby Squire’s disappearance sparked Humberside Police’s biggest ever mission persons investigation

“I can honestly say that I have never been more proud of my wonderful girl.” 

The Women in Business Charity Lunch is being held on Friday, November 10, at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Hull. 

As it is expected that tickets will sell out quickly, Women in Business members will have the opportunity to buy them first. They will then go on general sale via Eventbrite from Monday, August 28.

Women in Business is a not-for-profit organisation that offers a blend of professionalism and sociability, providing support, friendship and networking to its members. 

For more information about Women in Business, and to join, visit https://womeninbusinesshull.co.uk