Ferdinand backs Damilola knife campaign
Damilola Taylor was killed on his way home from Peckham library
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Monday, 27, Nov 2006 07:07
England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand today urged young Britons to stop carrying knives, six years after the death of schoolboy Damilola Taylor.
The ten-year-old bled to death after being stabbed with a beer bottle in a council estate in Peckham, south-east London, on November 27th 2000.
And Ferdinand, himself a former Peckham resident, helped launch the Respect Your Life, Not a Knife campaign at London's City Hall, with Damilola's parents Gloria and Richard, home secretary John Reid and mayor of London Ken Livingstone all in attendance.
"Damilola was sadly not able to realise his potential. We want to start a legacy for him so he can hopefully help the young kids get peace on the streets and a tolerance for other people," the England player said.
"No more families should have to go through what Damilola's family went through but the problem still doesn't go away."
As part of the campaign, schools are being encouraged to participate in a pledge well scheme, with pupils making the promise: "In memory of Damilola Taylor, I will pledge to never carry a weapon."
Mr Taylor today said: "This morning I came from visiting my son Damilola in his grave.
"Please do not put your parents in the same position. If you love them, spare them the agony of losing you. Promise to not carry a weapon."
Teenage brothers Danny and Ricky Preddie were handed eight-year youth custody sentences last month after being convicted of Damilola's murder.