School children across Sefton will join forces this April to take part in the Sefton says #kNOwKnifeCrime relay race event.
Pupils from both primary and secondary schools across the borough will take part in the event on Wednesday 17th April 2024.
That week marks a significant youth anti-knife crime initiative as children participate in the London mini marathon virtual event.
Youngsters will aim to complete 2.6 miles throughout the week, aiming to raise funds for the procurement and donation of Knife Saver bleed control kits to communities across Sefton.
With 1,680 children participating, this symbolic event will see 20 children from each school running to the next, utilising the Knife Savers bleed control kit as the relay baton covering a tremendous distance of 82 miles.
-#kNOwKnifeCrime campaigner Laura Hughes said: “It’s a powerful statement showcasing our collective stand against knife crime, with schools also fundraising for the acquisition of vital bleed control equipment.
“Furthermore, on Saturday 20th April, 54 children from the Southport Learning Trust will proudly represent our organisation in the mini marathon in London.
“Lastly, on Sunday 21st April, seven dedicated #kNOwKnifeCrime campaigners will take part in the London Marathon.
School children across Sefton will join forces this April to take part in the Sefton says #kNOwKnifeCrime relay race event
“Notably, two of these campaigners work within the schools participating in our other events, while Christina Greaves, the driving force behind our initiatives, will be leading the charge.
“This is the first major running event for Christina and she has been inspiring pupils on how you can run from 0 miles to training for a marathon of 26.2miles.”
Laura Hughes, the sister of knife crime victim Colin McGinty, and the founder of #kNOwKnifeCrime will also be participating, adding to the significance of the cause.
Colin, 21, from Blundellsands, was brutally knifed to death by two doormen after he and his friends had enjoyed a night out in Bootle on 23rd March, 2001.
Laura said: “These events underscore our commitment to raising awareness and taking tangible action against knife crime.
“We’re immensely grateful for the support and participation of everyone involved in making these initiatives a success.”
On Thursday 14th March a series of school assemblies are taking place across Sefton with Laura Hughes talking to the students making them aware of the campaign and what is coming up.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
