Teenagers touched by families devastated by knives and guns
Aug 20 2010 By Adam Courtney
Families and friends left devastated by losing loved ones to knives and guns spoke at an emotional event aimed at steering youngters away from a life of crime.
More than 600 young people attended the Make A Stand day in Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith.
They heard inspirational speaches from groups including Mothers Against Gunz, 2 Fingers To Violence and Not Another Drop, all of which have been touched by the horrors of violent crime.
And the organisers, V Involved, a youth project based at the Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre in King Street, Hammersmith, believe their event has left a lasting imprint.
"A few of them came up to me and said the speeches made the hairs on the back of their neck stand up and the general message was that more of these sort of events need to be held.
"I believe this message needs to get through to kids at a young age and we are hopeful of holding future events – we just need the funding."
There was a fun side to the day as well, with many people, fresh from celebrating their A-level results, taking part in a five-a-side football tournament, enjoying music on the stage and tucking into a free barbecue.
