By Lynn Crombie BBC News, Newcastle

Stephen Sweeney's killers have never been found, Picture Shields Gazette

Her son Stephen Sweeney, 45, was shot dead at his factory in Felling, South Tyneside, in 1998.

His body was found at his desk by his partner and young daughter.

Despite a long-running police inquiry, those responsible for killing Mr Sweeney have never been found.

Following his murder, 74-year-old Mrs Rendall did not leave her house for two years.

That was until she got a visit from Dave Hines, who runs the North of England Victims' Association (Neva).

"At that time, I couldn't describe how I felt - I still can't," Mrs Rendall told BBC News Website.

"Going even to the shops was an ordeal. People would stop me and say they understood because they had lost someone. But they don't.

Not a day goes by that you don't cry. You don't want to forget them. You never get over it Doreen Rendall

"They may have lost someone through being ill or something - my son was taken away from me and there was no need for him to die."

With apprehension, Mrs Rendall attended her first Neva conference.

"I wish I had done it a long time ago. Everyone there had lost someone and the relief of being able to talk to people that understand how you feel.

"You hear things you wouldn't believe. You are among your own people because they know how it feels."

Seven years on, Mrs Rendall is still grieving for her only child.

"People say to me still - you must be over it now, but it is something you never get over.

Doreen Rendall says the pain never ends, Picture Shields Gazette

"They say they have lost family members and that time is a healer - but the pain, even the pain of losing my parents and husband, is nothing to how I feel about Stephen.

"I carried Stephen for nine months, I was told I could never have any family and he was my only child.

"Not a day goes by that you don't cry. You don't want to forget them. You never get over it."

She said the Neva conference and meeting other families has helped her get the strength to continue each day.

"Everyone there has had something done to their child. You feel as if you are among people who are going through exactly the same thing."