Annabel Rook, 46, co-founder and head of the refugee and women’s charity MamaSuze, was found dead with stab injuries following an explosion in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, on June 17.
Now it has emerged that Ms Rook’s charity was to provide drop in services at the newly opened Highgate Newtown Community Centre, in Bertram Street, Dartmouth Park.
Andrew Sanalitro, director of Highgate Newtown Community Partnership, said: “We are really shocked. They came to our open day and did a drop-in session.”
The charity helps victims of forced displacement and gender-based violence “build a more positive future” using theatre and art workshops.
He said the drop in was so successful he agreed in principle to a £5,000 project for them to continue their work with refugees.
Annabel lived every day with passion and purpose, say her peers at charity MamaSuze (Image: Met Police)
He added: “There whole project is about happiness. We will still have them but it will take time.”
Mamasuze paid tribute to Annabel on its website.
Staff said: “Annabel was a shining light who dedicated her life to supporting others.
“She spent the last 20 years of her career bringing joy & creativity to marginalised people and she cared deeply about improving the lives of vulnerable women & children.
“Annabel lived every day with passion and purpose, believing that we must be the change we want to see in the world.
“We will all remember the joy, connection and dedication she radiated and try not to fall into despair, but continue her vital work and live our lives as she did.”
Police believe the attack was a domestic-related incident. Officers are not looking for anyone else after the arrest of a 44-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
He currently remains in hospital with slash wound injuries, his condition is not life-changing or life-threatening.
It is understood that she is also the mother of two children.
Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
Two children, aged nine and seven, were taken to hospital as a precaution but are not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the gas explosion.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the local area, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.
“Our officers arrested a man on suspicion of murder at the scene and will be conducting interviews as soon as possible, to establish the full circumstances that led to Annabel’s death. While enquiries continue, at this early stage we do believe this to be a domestic-related incident.
“We understand what happened will cause concern within the Hackney community and residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out the investigation.
“We are working closely alongside our partners at Hackney Council to help support those residents locally who have been impacted by this.”
