Key facts
- Victim
- Natalie Clements, 40, from Bracknell
- Incident date
- July 15, 2026
- Cause of death
- Head injury
- Charged person
- Matthew Wilkie, 48, charged with murder
- Next court hearing
- October 5, 2026
- Fundraising total
- More than £13,000
Background
Natalie Clements, 40, from Bracknell, died after emergency services were called to a property in Birkdale, a cul-de-sac in the Great Hollands ward, on the morning of Wednesday, July 15. She was pronounced dead at the home at about 7am, and a post-mortem showed she died of a head injury.
Matthew Wilkie, 48, of Liscombe, Bracknell, appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 17, charged with her murder. He was remanded in custody and is next due in court for a plea and trial preparation hearing set for October 5, 2026.
Current situation
Natalie's close friend, Tereza Flint, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help support her children as they come to terms with the 'devastating' loss of their mum. Tereza described Natalie as 'fiercely loyal' and 'completely full of life', whose children were 'never far from her side'.
The appeal aims to help the children 'rebuild' their lives as they move into a new home. It will also help with replacing everyday essentials and important personal documents that have been lost, and to remove the financial burden as they navigate their future.
Donors have so far raised more than £13,000. Tereza wrote: 'Thank you for helping us honour Natalie in the way she spent her life, by looking after the people she loved most. Every penny raised will go directly to Natalie's children.'
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2026 | Emergency services called to Birkdale; Natalie pronounced dead |
| July 17, 2026 | Matthew Wilkie appears at Reading Magistrates' Court |
| July 19, 2026 | Memorial football match at Edgebarrow School |
| October 5, 2026 | Plea and trial preparation hearing |
Impacts
The fundraiser directly benefits Natalie's son and daughter, who have been left facing an 'unimaginable' future. Tereza said her children were her 'world' and her 'greatest achievement'.
The funds are intended to cover immediate needs such as moving into a new home, replacing lost documents and everyday essentials, and easing financial pressure. Tereza noted that future milestones—school trips, learning to drive, further education—will be affected by their mother's absence.
The local community has rallied support, with a football match played in Natalie's memory at Edgebarrow School in Crowthorne on Sunday, July 19, featuring a minute's silence. North Town Athletic, a Sunday league team based in Farnborough, had previously thanked Camberley United for agreeing to the tribute. Dozens of people signed a memoriam at The Alex in Farnborough.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the fundraiser continues to gain support, it could provide more substantial financial relief for the children as they settle into a new home and plan for the future. The exact amount needed remains unclear, but the current total exceeds £13,000.
The legal case will proceed with Matthew Wilkie's plea and trial preparation hearing on October 5, 2026. If the case goes to trial, further details about the circumstances may emerge, but until then, many aspects remain subject to court proceedings.
The children may face long-term emotional and practical challenges, but the community support, including the memorial events and donations, could help mitigate some immediate difficulties. However, the full impact on their lives cannot be predicted at this stage.
Source: bracknellnews.co.uk
