Lasting legacy for tragic Lancashire mum Kiena Dawes 'the light in every room'

“Kiena was literally the light in every room. You could genuinely be having the worst day of your life and she would make you laugh. She was just incredible, honestly, there was no one like her, she genuinely was perfect.”

The devoted brother of an “incredible” woman driven to take her own life after suffering for years in an abusive and coercive relationship plans to transform her birthday from a day of sadness into a celebration of her legacy.

Mum-of-one Kiena Dawes, 23, took her own life on the railway line in Garstang in July 2022 after suffering years of domestic and physical abuse at the hands of her former partner Ryan Wellings.

Her despair was such she left a note claiming “I was murdered … Ryan Wellings killed me.”

In the first case of it’s kind, Lancashire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service charged Wellings, 30, of Housman Close, Bispham with her manslaughter.

During a seven week trial at Preston Crown Court prosecutors claimed the popular Fleetwood hairdresser had taken her own life because of the campaign of domestic violence against her.

Wellings was the first defendant to be tried before a jury accused of the unlawful killing of his partner following domestic abuse.

In January 2025, Wellings, a landscape gardener, who denied all charges against him was found guilty of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour between January 2020 and July 2022. He was sentenced to six years in prison plus an additional six months in prison for a separate assault on a friend.

Since Kiena’s untimely passing her loving brother Kynan Dawes and their devastated family have been trying to rebuild their lives.

But in a bid to transform the popular hairdresser’s birthday from a day of sadness into a day of celebrating her legacy, Kynan is organising a massive fundraiser in her name for Women’s Aid.

Kynan is planning a sponsored run, walk or bike ride on August 8 on what would have been Kiena’ s 28th birthday - and is determined to have her friends and family smiling for Kiena as well as helping other women who find themselves in the same position she did.

He said: “Because she had such a large friendship circle and so many people knew her, many of whom were involved in the trial, on her birthday they all get upset.

“So rather than them all being upset at home or at work, I thought, why don't we do a run, walk or ride a bike?

“It’s planned for August 8 and we are going to go from the town she was living in, which was Fleetwood and go to Lytham where she was born. It’s 23km which is one kilometre for every year of her life.

“I just think it would be a nice day and it might bring people together that don't even know each other.”

Kynan, 34, described his little sister as “perfect” and “literally the light in every room”. The dad-of-one said he has daily struggles with guilt and he feels like he should have done more to protect and help her.

He said: “I've got PTSD from it, really bad anxiety and depression and have medication for it - I have nightmares in my sleep. That's mainly due to the fact I do blame myself for some aspects. Ryan Wellings was my friend and I introduced them to each other.

“I'm a nice person now, but I used to live in a silly lifestyle. At that moment in time, I just wish I’d done something about it, but I didn't, unfortunately. That's what has given me my mental health issues, if I'd have done something, maybe she'd still be here.”

Asked about Kiena and what she was like, Kynan said: “She was kind, selfless, always put other people first. She was literally the light in every room. You could genuinely be having the worst day of your life and she would make you laugh. She was just incredible, honestly, there was no one like her, she genuinely was perfect.”

Kynan already helps Women’s Aid and has done voluntary work for them. He says it’s an amazing charity and has seen at first hand how women fleeing domestic abuse are helped with somewhere to live, the beginning of rebuilding their lives. He says most women turn up with nothing at all.

“If you're struggling, there are people out there. When they're going through a really dark time, especially in a controlling and coercive relationship they completely forget how many people love them. I think if Kiena genuinely knew the impact and how many people loved her, I don’t think we would be in this situation.”

Kynan, with his girlfriend Jasmine, has made sure his sister will always be remembered, especially with his own children, the youngest of whom has been named Rovehia ‘Kiena’ after his sister.

Kynan said: “My daughter was also born on 22 August 2025, and we named her after Kiena. Every day, she reminds me so much of what Kiena was like as a baby.”

Sign up to Kiena’s Coastal 23k

If you want to take part in Kiena’s Coastal 23km event save your spot now here.

Other ways you can get involved

If you are unable to get involved with Kiena’s Coastal 23km but her story has touched your heart, her family say there are other ways you can help make what would have been her 28th birthday special.

Kynan said: “As Kiena was a hairdresser and truly loved her work, we would especially love to see salons get involved. We hope some may be willing to support women experiencing difficult circumstances by offering a simple act of kindness — for example, a free service to help someone feel cared for and more like themselves again during a difficult time.

“Something as simple as asking for “Kiena’s haircut” could offer comfort, dignity and support to a woman experiencing domestic abuse, without judgement.”

Kynan has a target of £1,000 but hopes to raise even more. Anyone can take part in the fundraiser - visit the Just Giving page or scan the QR code to find out more.

“I’m hoping we will make a difference.”

Your can donate to the Women’s Aid fundraiser using this QR Code.

Know you’re never alone

Fylde Coast Women’s Aid (FCWA) offers free advice and support to individuals living in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, stalking and child sexual exploitation.

Although it may feel impossible now, you can rebuild your life free from violence and fear. Whatever you decide, your safety is always a priority.

Call FCWA helpline on 01253 596699 or visit the charity’s website here for more information, advice or support.