By Lynn Crombie BBC News, Newcastle

Dave Hines' daughter Marie was murdered in her home

When David Hines' daughter was brutally murdered in her own home by a former partner he vowed that he would not be beaten by a killer.

In the months and years that followed, shock turned to anger at the lack of help and support for the people needing it most - the families left behind.

After seeing the killer of 22-year-old Marie jailed for life for her murder on 28 June 1992, Mr Hines began a journey to unite the families of murder and manslaughter victims.

He launched the South-Tyneside based North of England Victims' Association (NEVA), the UK's only organisation fighting solely for families affected by murder.

"I wasn't going to let a murderer beat me psychologically and I just felt I had to do something, first for my family and then for society," Mr Hines told the BBC News Website.

The victims of homicide are as fragile as a snowflake but together they can form an avalanche Dave Hines Mother's grief for murdered son

"When it happens to you it hits you like a bombshell - there's nothing for the victims.

"There are massive strides being made but nothing compared to what could be done."

People contact NEVA for many reasons including information about probation, trials, counselling and financial assistance.

But the charity's flagship annual conference - a chance for families to spend time together - is under threat unless funding can be found.

Around 120 victims' families come from all over the UK to hear guest speakers and meet people who have suffered in the same way.

Emotional impact

"It is not just a conference it is a respite reunion weekend - the only weekend in the year where families can come, unwind, they can have a good cry or a good laugh - it is up to them," Mr Hines said.

He works tirelessly to raise money to keep the charity going, but Mr Hines said funds had dried up and he desperately needs to find sponsors to provide the �15,000 to �20,000 for the 2006 conference on 24 June.

"We are talking a pittance compared to what is given to the criminal. I don't care if it comes in staged payments.

"Until we get it right in this country, the Neva conference must go on."

Dave Hines, third left, with Neva families

Besides the emotional impact of murder, Mr Hines said families often faced problems holding down job and bringing up the children of victims.

"Murder has a ripple effect - for every murder hundreds of people are affected indirectly, but does anyone care enough about us?"

He said most people are horrified at murders but it is difficult to highlight the issue.

"You can show an animal suffering, a child crying, but how do you show the effects of murder on the family?"

Mr Hines has also launched a worldwide movement called Snowflakes with the aim of uniting victims' organisations across the world.

The name came about after a speech in which Mr Hines said: "The victims of homicide are as fragile as a snowflake but together they can form an avalanche."

He added: "When it happens to you, your whole life changes and it will never be the same again."