Families of teens Max and Mason, tragically lost to knife crime, are launching initiatives. These initiatives aim to prevent further violence in the community.
Mason’s mom, Nikki Knight, said this charity will raise money to buy school supplies for children. These supplies will help vulnerable children succeed.
The charity isn’t launching yet. Nikki wants to create good from her son’s death, creating something positive.
Max Dixon’s foundation is already running. It recently gave out portable bleed kits, which people across Bristol ordered.
Max’s mom, Leanne Ekland, started the Max Dixon Foundation and partnered with Park Knowle FC, where Max captained their under-16 team. They fundraise to keep supplying bleed kits, which are smaller than public bleed kits and fit in vehicles like taxis.
Carly Kingdon from Park Knowle FC explains that the foundation educates people on bleed control. They want kits in communities, envisioning them on public transport and in cars for easy access during heavy bleeding.
They teach secondary students about the dangers of knife crime and what to do if someone gets hurt. They asked the Education Secretary to make this training mandatory.
The foundation relies on grants and fundraising. Donations help them continue making a difference, because while volunteers deliver training, materials cost money.
Nikki still struggles living in her house, where the boys were killed, finding it very traumatic one year later. She wishes she could move, because constant reminders cause her torture. She stays focused by working hard.
The tragedy strengthened the families’ bond. Events honored the boys’ anniversary, showing community support.
Leanne is grateful for the community. Understanding and accepting this will take time, but they can turn this tragedy into something good. They want Max and Mason remembered positively.
The families of Max, Mason, and Darrian Williams connected, because Darrian was murdered weeks after Max and Mason. The community celebrated their lives together.
Messages for Darrian were on balloons released, honoring Max and Mason’s anniversary. Shanine Wright, Darrian’s sister, attended the tree planting. Oak trees memorialize Max and Mason.
Chloe Rist believes people can learn from the trees, which stand outside St Barnabus Church. The trees offer a lasting legacy of good choices, warming her heart and giving her hope.
The anniversary events were emotional, with people saying, “We shouldn’t be here.” The plaque unveiling at their school was very hard; Leanne works at Oasis John Williams Academy.
Mason’s grandma, Gail, stayed strong for a year, but hadn’t cried until the plaque unveiling. Seeing everyone cry finally made her cry.