Our 17 year old son Charlie cruelly left this world after being stabbed 4 times at a party on 23 July. We have received much support from the local community, those that know us, those that knew Charlie, even those that didn't, have reached out to share their sadness, their support and their fears for the future for their children .

If this evil crime can happen to Charlie it can happen to anyone. Charlie had never been in a fight, was always the first to walk away from trouble. He was a kind, gentle soul. Many people have messaged us to let us know how much Charlie meant to them, how much he helped them, how much he made them laugh, how he lit up a room, how he did not to deserve to die the way he did. 

Martin made a promise to Charlie when he laid fighting for his life that he will do everything he can to campaign and fight against knife crime. Knife crime is getting out of control in the UK and our young people deserve better. They should be able to attend a party, in a sleepy village, have a fun time and return home safely to their family. Sadly, Charlie did not, and we as his parents and siblings had to endure that knock on the door from the police that every parent dreads, to tell them their child, their brother, had been stabbed, had suffered life threatening injuries and wasn't expected to live. 

In the New Year, we will be launching a Charity in memory of Charlie called 'Charlie's Promise'. With the aim of Martin going in to schools in the home counties to talk to and educate children about the dangers and impacts of knife crime. If you're like us, when you think of knife crime you think of cities, of London, of gangs, of troubled kids. But this was not Charlie's world. Charlie had dreams, he had aspirations, he had opportunities, he had an amazing apprenticeship which he loved, he had good friends who meant the world to him, he had a loving family and he was loved so much. Yet he, and his family and friends, have fallen victim to this hideous crime.