This Friday, Tim Edwards will lead a “walk of solidarity” against violent crime in the city. His motivation stems from the tragic death of his 26-year-old daughter Elle Edwards, who was shot and killed on Christmas Eve at the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village.
Mr. Edwards has teamed up with Liverpool actor and comedian John May for the Weapons Down Gloves Up walking challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats. On Friday, they will be joined by boxer Tony Bellew and the family of 12-year-old Ava White, who was fatally stabbed in the city centre earlier this year.
Mr. Edwards told BBC North West, “We want the city and region to come together and let people know that we will no longer tolerate it.” He believes that it is preferable to prevent young people from joining gangs and committing crimes before resorting to punishment.
John May, the creator of Weapons Down Gloves Up, stated that the program’s objective was to teach young people responsibility and consistency over time, as well as provide them with a guaranteed work placement at the end. He stated, “Let’s prevent it from reaching that point.”
The solidarity walk will begin at The Britannia Inn on Riverside Drive at 16:00 GMT, and the public is encouraged to participate. The event aims to raise awareness of gun and knife crime in Liverpool and demonstrate that the city’s residents can make a difference by working together.
The alleged murderer of Tim Edwards’ daughter Elle is scheduled to stand trial in June 2021. Another man has been charged with illegal weapon possession and aiding a criminal.
Mr. Edwards hopes that his walk of solidarity will unite people against violent crime in Liverpool. His message to the city’s residents is unambiguous: “You must help your fellow man, woman, or whoever; you must be there for people. If we ensure that these children create a positive environment for themselves, our job will be complete.”
