Robbed of her mother’s love early in life, Karen’s daughter Emily has precious little in the way of memories to cling on to.

Now aged 21 - the same age at which her mother died her own - she still finds it difficult coming to terms with growing up without her mother’s presence.

Having nearly lost her own life as well as her mother, Emily appealed to anyone who may be shielding the killer through a misplaced sense of loyalty so they can pay for their crime.

She said: “It’s horrible. I miss my mum every day.

“I just want the person who did it caught.

“I can’t believe someone would do that. If anyone knows anything which could help police catch whoever did it I would ask them to come forward.”

For all the Hales’ family the nightmare of Karen’s death rarely goes away.

Her eldest sister Angela, said: “I think about Karen more or less all the time. Certain things that happen within the family and you think ‘if only Karen was here’.

“I find that happens a bit more now, especially as she’s not going to be here to be a part of it.

“Karen was just full of life and absolutely devoted to Emily. Nothing was more important than seeing to Emily. Everything was all about her.”

Although some things may have changed over the years the memories never fade, especially on the anniversary of her murder.

Angela added: “The first few years I looked at the clock and thought of the significant times during that day.

“When it snows the first snow of the year I think of her. Karen loved that.”

Karen’s other sister Jacqui added: “The anniversary will be such a sad day. You go through the emotions of that day 20 years ago when we found out. It brings it all back to you.”