‘She was the best mummy with the biggest heart': Crowds gather at vigil for Sarah Montgomery
Yesterday, Zah Hughes (28) of Ardglen Place, Belfast, appeared at Newtownwards Magistrates Court charged with Ms Montgomery's murder and destroying the life of her unborn child.
This evening, the local community held a vigil for Ms Montgomery, in collaboration with the North Down & Ards Women's Aid group.
Beginning at 6.30pm, mourners gathered at the Donaghadee Resource Centre and walked the short distance to Ms Montgomery's home.
Attendees were encouraged to wear anything with the colour purple.
Women's Aid workers also distributed purple ribbon pins.
Ainslie White, Ms Montgomery's best friend, told the crowd that her two daughters 'will be the most protected wee girls ever'.
She also described Ms Montgomery as having "the biggest heart" and someone that "absolutely loved band season".
She asked mourners to raised a glass and think of her friend on the Twelfth next week.
"Sarah was the best mummy and she couldn't wait to make her family complete with her little boy," said Ms White.
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'I had been lucky enough to attend her gender scan with her, where her daughters were unsure whether they wanted a baby brother or a baby sister... Once they found out it was a boy, they were more than happy because then they wouldn't have to share their stuff with him.
"I hope Sarah knew how much she was loved, and I don't even have the words to begin how to describe Sarah as a friend.
"I was honoured to call her my best friend and my sister at the same time.
"Sarah was the kind of girl to leave you 10-minute voice note... She never failed to put a smile on your face. She was a girl's girl and she had your back, through and through.
"She was there for absolutely everybody and it had been an honour to have her in all of our lives."
Ms White shared that Ms Montgomery had joked about how their nearest Twelfth parade celebrations will be in Dundonald this year, because it would be a few weeks before her birth due date.
"She would say: 'I would only be a few minutes away from the hospital, all you have to do is carry me there',' her friend explained.
"For anyone that knew Sarah, knew how much band season meant to her.
"Any band season, that's where you found Sarah Montgomery...So can I ask everyone that for the Twelfth of July this year, can you please raise a glass for our girl? And if you're feeling really rebellious, can you have a tequila rose, because that's what she loved the most.'
Mourners left bouquets of flowers, toys and candles in memory of Sarah at the entrance to her home.
Many also left notes and letters. One friend said: 'There are no words for what has gone on. You [Sarah] will always be remembered for being such a kind and down to earth young woman.'
Sarah has also been described as thoughtful and generous. She regularly helped volunteer and fundraise for the RNLI's Donaghadee lifeboat division, and also donated to various other charities and fundraisers, including Dementia UK and the Miscarriage Association.
Whilst many of her loved ones are in states of shock and grief, some shared their anger this week.
One woman, who knew Sarah through her charity work, said: 'For decades, this country has been on a slippery slope, it's no f***ing wonder.
'My skin is actually crawling [at what has happened to Sarah].'
A spokesperson for the Beechfield Community Well-being Centre, who helped organise the vigil, stated: 'Sarah is not just a statistic, Sarah was a mummy, a sister, a granddaughter and a friend, she deserves to be remembered in a dignified manner.'
A fundraiser set up in memory of Ms Montgomery has raised over £40,000 as of today.
The organisers said that Ms Montgomery's wider family had been 'left bereft of the care and support' she had provided.
The statement added: 'Donations will not ease the pain that this family will have to live with forever but as a close knit community, we are keen to show them that they are so loved and supported at this sad time and in the days, months and years to come.
'Violence against women will not be tolerated in our community. We must stand together to ensure that this will never happens again.'
Alison Blaney, chief executive at Kilcooley Women's Centre, called for local politicians to stop paying 'lip service' to issues facing local woman.
"We just need to be doing more… providing more services for women to access, because down here the services available are appalling. That is the only way I can describe it; appalling.'
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