Mum of murdered Doncaster boxer Tom Bell speaks out just over a year after son's killing

Talented boxer Tom Bell, aged 21, was shot dead through the window of The Maple Tree pub at Woodfield Plantation a little over a year ago in January 2019.

Scott Gocoul, aged 30 when sentenced last year, of no fixed abode, is currently serving a minimum of 33 years behind bars for the murder.

Joseph Bennia, aged 29 when sentenced, of no fixed abode, is caged for 17 years for manslaughter. Both men had denied the killing.

In the wake of the murder, the community rallied to raise money for a mural and memorial bench at the gym where Tom used to train.

They also organised sponsored walks to help the family to pay for the funeral.

The former boxer’s mum Tracy Langley, aged 52, has now told how helping others in the community has brought her some solace in dealing with the loss of her son.

She said: “I just take the healing process one day at a time.

“I enjoy helping to feed the homeless at the Action For The Homeless and Needy organisation.

“It makes me feel like I can give back to the community who helped me through such a tough time.

“Keeping busy helps take my mind off things, but the best thing to do is talk.

“It is unbelievable how much it really does help, you can't just bottle it up.

“When speaking to family members about it in particular, you have to realise that you aren't only being strong for yourself, but for everyone else in the family too."

Tracy admitted that she finds ‘only the slightest comfort’ in knowing that justice was served on Tom’s killers.

She is proud of her son’s boxing career, which saw him win all six of his fights.

“I often look back on his achievements fondly, its amazing to think what he could have been.

“When acquaintances or friends move on out of your life you can always find new ones. However, it's simply impossible to replace a brother or a son."