Law student encourages classmates to volunteer with growing hamper initiative supporting local women and families

A second-year law student at the University is encouraging fellow students to volunteer their time and skills and gain valuable work experience by supporting a rapidly growing non-profit community group created in memory of his aunt, Amber.

Amber’s Hampers provides wellbeing hampers to women and children entering refuge accommodation across South Hampshire.

“On 24 September 2024, during my first full day at university, I received the devastating news that Amber had died aged 49 after battling lung cancer,” explained Ewan Tomkins.

“Amber was a kind, generous woman who dedicated many years of her life to improving the lives of others through her work with Stop Domestic Abuse (SDA).”

“In September 2025, on the first anniversary of her passing, my family launched Amber’s Hampers in her memory with my brother Will acting as the driving force.”

What began as a small memorial campaign quickly grew. Early donations of 18 hampers across September and October were followed by a Christmas campaign delivering 39 hampers to women supported by SDA refuges across South Hampshire.

Alongside his studies, Ewan supports the organisation behind the scenes, using his developing skillset to help the initiative grow.

“I’ve helped to manage the promotional side, developed the online donation platform and reached out to organisations and education centres,” he said. “My legal studies also help us to understand what we can and can’t do as the initiative develops.”

The hampers include self-care items, children’s toys, craft supplies and practical essentials designed to provide comfort and dignity for people entering crisis situations.

Will Pescott, who leads the initiative, said it is rooted in Amber’s compassion and dedication to helping others.

“Women and children arriving in refuge situations often come with very little. These hampers are about letting people know they are loved, valued and cared for,” he said.

“99% of our support has come from individuals giving time, donations and kindness. It goes to show how much a community can achieve when they pull together.”

Through a new partnership with the Rowans hospice – which provided care and support for Amber and her family – the organisation will help to fund therapeutic activities and memory boxes for patients and their loved ones.

With the initiative continuing to expand, the brothers are inviting students from across the University to build their experience while supporting a meaningful cause.

Opportunities for students include:

• Marketing and social media support
• Content creation and storytelling
• Fundraising and partnership development
• Legal research and governance
• Digital and platform support
• Event planning and community outreach

Amber’s birthday on 22 May will be marked with a special donation drive.

How you can support Amber’s Hampers

• Follow and share their Instagram and Facebook pages
• Volunteer your skills or time to support campaigns and growth
• Donate toiletries, self-care items, children’s toys, art supplies and practical essentials (message via social media for details)
• Make a financial donation to support hamper creation