Nottingham Families’ Heartbreaking Knife Crime Stories to Hit New Workshop
Grieving families in Nottinghamshire who have lost loved ones to knife crime are sharing their raw, emotional stories in a bold new workshop. The “Nottingham Space” brings their tragic tales to life, aiming to shock young people with the grim reality of knife violence and stop more families from suffering the same fate.
Raw Testimonies from Bereaved Families
In candid videos, mothers, sisters, fathers, and daughters reveal the agony of losing loved ones to knife attacks. Julie Jones, mother of 17-year-old Ezekiel Clarke, stabbed in Radford in 2020, said: “They weren’t ill or sick, they lost their life through somebody’s choice. Somebody made a decision to do that, and if they hadn’t, they’d probably still be here today – living their life and having fun.”
Lisa Kilkenny, mum of 16-year-old Joseph Whitchurch from Stapleford, who died in 2020, added: “If a knife is produced, there is somebody not going home. Broken bones mend, but to have this… it’s just devastating.”
Remembering Seven Knife Crime Victims from Nottinghamshire
The Nottingham Space features emotional accounts from families and friends of seven locals fatally stabbed:
- Byron Griffin, 22, East Leake, died in Ilkeston in 2021
- Joseph Whitchurch, 16, Stapleford, died in 2020
- Ezekiel Clarke, 17, Radford, died in 2020
- Lyrico Steede, 17, Bulwell, died in 2018
- Johnny Parker, 43, Hyson Green, died in 2015
- Joshua Bradley, 19, Bilborough, died in 2015
- Nathan Somers, 19, Newark, died in 2012
Powerful Prevention Workshop Expands
Building on the success of the National Justice Museum’s award-winning Choices and Consequences workshop, the Nottingham Space brings these local stories into the fight against knife crime. Originally launched with The Ben Kinsella Trust, the workshop uses the story of Ben Kinsella, who was tragically murdered aged 16 in 2008, to warn youngsters about the deadly consequences of carrying knives.
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said:
“Hearing first-hand what it is like to lose a loved one to knife crime really makes you stop and think. These deaths have had a profound impact on families and communities. We all must pull together to talk about knife crime and take action.”
Superintendent Kathryn Craner, Nottinghamshire Police’s knife crime lead, added:
“This exhibition offers a powerful way to show young people the devastating impact of knife crime. We thank the families who shared their stories. Educating children early is vital to preventing these tragedies.”
Free for Schools, Backed by the Community
Thanks to funding from the Home Office, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham BID, and Nottingham City Council, the workshop is free for schools and groups across the region. Opening this December, it aims to educate thousands more young people and empower them to make safer choices.
For more details, visit nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 0115 993 9811.
