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.
On Friday 15th December, the Mazuma Mobile Stadium was the venue for a powerful knife crime awareness week event. Over 50 young people gathered to hear Byron Highton from the JJ Effect deliver an unforgettable presentation about the devastating impact of knife crime.
Byron shared the tragic story of losing his brother, Jon-Jo to knife crime, blending hard-hitting messages with engaging moments that held everyone’s attention throughout.
The event was hosted by Morecambe FC Community Foundation as part of their engagement work on the Champions programme. The evening was supported by Champions from Morecambe FC Community Foundation, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Accrington Stanley Community Trust, alongside other local young people. Our Champions mentors played a key role in bringing the day together, ensuring its success and impact.
We were also delighted to see local MP, Lizzi Collinge, and Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, who joined us to show their support for this important cause.
Serious Violence Sergeant from the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, Dan Whitaker praised the event, saying: “Events like this are crucial in helping young people understand the real consequences of knife crime. Byron’s story is an important reminder of why we all need to work together to keep our communities safe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Carrying or using knives is completely unacceptable and unnecessarily puts lives life at risk.
“Tackling serious violence will be a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan for Lancashire and I will ensure that Lancashire Police have the tools and resources they need to tackle this issue head on.
“Policing can’t deal with knife crime in isolation and education has a key part to play in reducing the number of people carrying knives. Working with charities like our Football Community Trusts as we are doing through our Violence Reduction Network, is a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people across Lancashire.
“Anything we can do to prevent knife crime is positive for Lancashire and ultimately makes our county safer.”
Above all, a big thank you to the young people who came along and got involved. Your willingness to listen, get involved, and share your thoughts made the event what it was.