The official launch has taken place for the new GABA Foundation, created by two inspiring sisters who have created a stylish new clothing range and a determination to tackle knife crime as well as mental health support.
The GABA Foundation was set up by two girls aged 14 and 10 who were involved in the tragic Southport attack last summer.
The eldest girl, who was stabbed three times by the killer, was heroic in getting some of the younger girls in the Taylor Swift themed dance class out of the room and towards safety.
They have now teamed up to start GABA Clothing, a cool new brand which stands for ‘Go Anywhere – Be Anything’.
It features a series of t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies and caps for both adults and children: Home – GABA Clothing
The official launch took place at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, as supporters gathered to celebrate the start of a powerful journey which aims to effect real change in society.
Money raised through sales will fund peer-led knife crime awareness in schools and colleges, and a drive to bring in compulsory first aid training for all pupils.
The GABA logo is ‘The Cheeky Monkey’.
‘Sarah’, the older girl behind GABA Clothing, said: “This cheeky monkey was chosen to symbolise my sister’s playful and spirited nature! Like most little sisters, she is very cheeky!
“It serves as a reminder that even in adversity, you can always find joy and mischief.
“The monkey has a scar to represent the scars that I have from the attack in Southport.
“It highlights the idea that scars, whether mental or physical, don’t take away from anyone’s ability to experience happiness and playfulness.
“We chose the headphones because we have both always loved music. Music has always been an essential part of our lives, bringing us peace and happiness.
“The headphones in our logo symbolise our love for dancing and listening to a diverse range of artists.”
‘Sarah’, who was 13 at the time of the attack, was left with life-threatening injuries and a fractured spinal vertebrae.
Her only thought at the time was for her younger sister and the other girls in the room.
She said: “I remember shouting for them to get down and get out.
“I was physically pushing them down the stairs to get everyone out. I thought that he wasn’t going to stop until he killed everyone.”
The GABA clothing range has been designed by the girls and has been produced by Red Squirrel Creations in Southport.
People who buy the clothing can share their determination to reduce knife crime.
‘Sarah’ said: “Even just thinking about anyone in the community carrying a knife, but also anyone my age, I just hate the very thought of that.
“We created the clothing to help fund the Foundation, because we can’t always rely on donations, although they are greatly appreciated!
“My sister and I refused to let the incident define our future. Instead, we channelled our energy into supporting local communities that have faced similar hardships.
“Through the GABA Foundation, what we want to achieve is knife crime awareness; to provide first aid training in high schools and colleges; and we want to get it onto the curriculum for all schools across the country.
“It’s all very well having defibrillators and bleed packs in local communities, but if you don’t know how to use them, then that becomes an issue.
“Some people get scared when it comes to using them because they don’t know what to do.
“We want to see a situation where as many people as possible learn all about how to do CPR, and how to use defibrillators and bleed packs.
“In young people’s minds, if you think you may be stabbed, you may have to hold down a wound, and it may help to give people second thoughts about carrying knives and what they are doing.
“We’re keen to support mental health projects and charities.
“We also want to educate on knife crime using peers who have experienced going through it.
“I remember a couple of years back sitting in an assembly in school with a police officer telling us about knife crime and all the statistics, and it wasn’t as engaging as it could have been.
“When we get people coming into our school more similar in age to us talking about things like drugs and how they have been involved with them from a young age, and the impact it has had on their own lives, and their families, it resonates with you more.
“We want to do a similar thing with knife crime as well.”
The launch was hosted by Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant in Southport.
Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince is a trustee for the GABA Foundation.
She said: “I have been extremely impressed and inspired by these two girls. They are extraordinary.
“They are amazing young ladies, so courageous.
“They are determined to create something so positive for other young people and other families.
“I love the ethos of GABA Clothing, I’d love to see people give them lots of support in what they’re aiming to achieve.”
GABA was born out of a desire to transform personal tragedy into a catalyst for hope and healing.
It aspires to create more than just a brand. The girls want to cultivate a community that values resilience, creativity, and compassion.
Through their products, they aim to inspire individuals to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Together, they can build a future where everyone feels empowered to ‘Go Anywhere Be Anything’.
- For more details about GABA Clothing please visit: Home – GABA Clothing
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