News | Sceptre
Champions Lead the Way Against Knife Crime
Champions from Across East Lancashire came together for a powerful 10-mile youth-led walk to mark the start of ‘Sceptre’, a national knife crime awareness week.
The walk brought together 22 young people supported by Champions mentors, all taking time to reflect on the impact of knife crime and to show what it looks like when young people take the lead in creating safer communities.
Before setting off, the Champions were joined by Laura Hughes from ‘kNOwKnifeCrime’, who lost her brother to knife crime. Laura spoke openly to the young people at both the start and end of the walk, sharing her lived experience and the reality of what knife crime leaves behind. Her honesty, strength, and passion made a huge impact on everyone there. She reminded the group why their actions matter and how powerful their voices are.
What made the day special wasn’t just the distance. It was the conversations, the shared moments, and the real sense of togetherness along the route. Many of the young people taking part said it was the first time they’d been involved in something like this, and the experience gave them space to talk openly, look out for each other, and feel part of something bigger.
The walk ended at the knife-crime memorial bench in Blackburn Cathedral, where everyone placed their own handwritten message. Some wrote about friends and family, others shared hopes for change. All of them were honest, emotional and full of meaning, a reminder that young voices are powerful and deserve to be heard.
Not only were the young people walking to raise awareness of knife crime, they were also raising funds for a bleed cabinet to be installed at Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers football stadium. Knowing that their efforts could one day help save a life gave the whole day an extra layer of meaning.
A huge well done to every single Champion who took part, support, encouraged and kept each other going. Your energy made this walk inspiring from beginning to end.
