Jayne Zito
Campaigner on mental health issues
- Born:
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1964
- Place of Birth:
- Rhondda
- Famous For:
- Campaigner on mental health issues
"You feel sometimes that people don't listen or people get tired of your voice and it's so good to see that something good has come out of a terrible loss for so many people."
Jayne Zito
- Biography:
-
Thrust into the spotlight when her husband was killed by a schizophrenic, she has campaigned for greater understanding of the mentally ill and improvements in community care.
Jayne Zito had only been married for three months when husband Jonathan was stabbed in the eye by Christopher Clunis in a London street in December 1992. Clunis, who had a history of violence and psychiatric problems, had recently been released from hospital under the community care programme. He was later detained indefinitely at Rampton special hospital after admitting the manslaughter of Mr Zito. In memory of her husband, in 1994 Jayne Zito set up the Zito Trust, an organisation campaiging for better support and treatment of the mentally ill, and providing a voice for families of victims and others concerned about the issue. Ms Zito was awarded the OBE in the 2001 New Year's Honours List in recognition of her work. She described the honour as "amazing", saying it recognised her status as a victim and others who had suffered similar tragedies.
your comments
Joshua Lewin
I came across the documentry and found the strength and bravery of Jane incredible.
Jonathan Clinch, Enfield
I was a police officer at Holloway at the very time Clunis killed Jonathan and my colleague went to inform her. Jayne is a very brave and intelligent woman who came across on the documentary last night very well. I wish her all the best in the future.
Angela Waller, West Sussex
Saw Jayne on TV this evening, and just read about the Trust. I can't tell you how much I admire her, turning her grief into something of benefit to others.
Michael Miller from Wiltshire
Having just watched the programme The Widows Tale I could not but be impressed with her dignity in the re-telling of her personal experience during and following the cruel death of her husband.
Tamsin from Somerset
Very good work. Deserves the OBE.
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