Earlier this year, my young family and I visited a city to watch a show. We arrived early and decided to visit the city centre to do some shopping and grab some food. There was a queue at the restaurant, so we decided to sit outside and wait for a table. We were approached by two young men who were in distress and it quickly became clear that one of them had been stabbed in the chest. He fell into my arms and his friend and I desperately tried to provide first aid whilst contacting the emergency services. It was only as I was speaking to the call handler that I found out the young man was under 18. He was a child.

The paramedics arrived within minutes and immediately began caring for him in the back of the ambulance. As they left the scene, my understanding is that he was stable but having been severely injured.

The next morning, we found out that he had died.

Two young men were arrested within 48 hours and one has subsequently been charged and awaits trial.

He is just 15 years of age.

Knife crime can never be justified, but discovering that the attack is believed to be a case of mistaken identity makes the incident all the more tragic.

On 19 May, I intend to run the Bristol half marathon. It’s not the biggest endurance race in the world, I know, but for an overweight non-runner like me, it will be a challenge. I am running to raise money for two charities that provide education for young people and support for families associated with knife crime. The first is Lives Not Knives, one of the biggest charities against knife crime in the UK, which works across London and the surrounding areas. The second is the James Brindley Foundation, which supports young people and their families in the West Midlands.

As a father and as a headteacher, I have to believe that children can grow up in a world without the fear of knives. I need to know that children won’t have to witness the scenes that my 8 year old daughter did; that people needn't feel scared in city centres in broad daylight; that no child should feel the fear that I saw in his friend’s eyes; that no family should lose a loved one; that nobody’s life should be ended by mindless violence.

If you can spare any money at all then please donate. 100% of your donation will go directly to these causes - I will cover race fees and any charges imposed by JustGiving.

Thank you

James

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