News From The Elm Tree
Ringwood's Harry Edwards to Amateur Box to raise money for Lives Not Knives After His Cousin's Fatal Knife Attack
Cousin of Tragic Lymington Stabbing Victim to box at U.W.B.C Event at Bournemouth BIC 16th November to raise money for Lives Not Knives.
Harry Edwards, 22 years from Ringwood, is stepping into the boxing ring for the first time, boxing to raise money and awareness for the Lives Not Knives charity following the death of his beloved cousin and friend, Luke Gray in August this year. Luke died as a ‘direct result’ of injuries sustained from an attack in October 2021.
Luke, 26 (pictured below) and his best friend Max Maguire, were brutally attacked in Lymington in October 2021. Catastrophically, Max lost his life that night. Luke was stabbed twice in the back, fighting for his own life, he witnessed the murder of his best friend and the serious wounding of another friend with them that night. His heart stopped three times that night. His mum, Sarah Roberts, was told to ‘say her goodbyes’ and as Covid restrictions were in place was told she could only spend an hour with him! For two years Luke underwent repeated operations, multiple infections, and treatments, ultimately, Luke had his kidney removed. Tragically, Luke died in his sleep in August despite the tireless efforts of his devastated mother to revive him, a full two and a half years after that fatal night. Sarah has given us permission to share the coroner’s verdict but is in no doubt that ‘Luke is dead as a direct result of the attack.”
Coroner’s Verdict (paraphrased).
“Although the coroner has confirmed Luke’s cause of death was ischemic heart disease, he would have lived into his 60’s or longer. This undetected, underlying condition ended his life at just 26 years, due is part to the chronic psychological and physical stress of the attack with a knife in 2021’. As Luke’s mum says, “This cannot be proven in a court of law, so Luke will never get the justice he deserves.”
Harry Edwards, a pall bearer at his cousin’s funeral in August, says “Luke was a complete fighter, he fought for two and half years to get over this hideous, unprovoked attack. I have seen the horrendous impact on his mum and her twin sister, my mum – it has affected us all terribly. I am fighting to raise awareness of Lives Not Knives, in the hope that we can do one small thing to help stop the national epidemic of knife crime.”
Luke’s mum Sarah says “I am tremendously proud of what Harry is doing not only for his cousin my son, but for all the sons and daughters out there that will be lost due to people carrying knives. It must stop. Harry has been training every day and is a real man – I wish everyone that thinks about carrying a knife would think twice, be like Harry and save a life – leave it home or better still hand it in.”
To support Harry (Pictured above) please donate at Harry Boxing for Lives Not Knives
Lives Not Knives (LNK) are dedicated to preventing youth violence in London and aim to do so through offering tailored mentorship and advice to the young people aged 9-21 in our community who most need our support.
http://www.livesnotknives.org/
Event: UWCB Bournemouth / Poole 16th November 2024, on 16 November 2024
Ultra White-Collar Boxing is a unique opportunity for people with no boxing background to experience the wonderful world of boxing, in a safe and enjoyable environment. Raise money for charity and get in great shape!
For more information, please email debs@elmtreeringwood.co.uk
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