The Morecambe community has united to take a stand against knife crime amid moving stories and powerful poetry about its devastating impact.
An awareness event was held on Thursday at Morecambe Football Club, where families affected by knife crime spoke out.
Kelly Brown, who founded the Merosworld Foundation charity, was among the speakers.
Kelly's son Rhamero West was tragically stabbed to death in Manchester in September 2021 at the age of 16.
Below, Kelly Brown speaking at Thursday's event.
The foundation aims to combat knife crime and support youth in the community through various initiatives including installing emergency bleed safety cabinets throughout Greater Manchester. These cabinets contain essential equipment to manage severe bleeding in emergency situations, potentially saving lives before emergency services arrive.
Performance poet Nathan Parker also delivered a thought-provoking poem bringing together the themes of the evening.
The event was attended by representatives of local police, several organisations and the mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Margaret Pattison.
A spokesperson for Morecambe FC Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the football club, said: "Thank you to everyone that attended our Knife Crime Awareness event. It was great to see so many there and participating in all the workshops.
"We would like to say a special thanks to the mayor of Lancaster for coming down and looking at the awareness of knife crime. A big thank you to all our speakers for giving that knowledge and experience on knife crime.
"Thanks to The Merosworld Foundation for talking so bravely about their experience in losing a loved one due to knife crime. Thanks to Nathan Parker for giving a passionate speech through poetry.
"Also big thanks to Shay Walsh MMA, Leos Boxing Gym, Global Link and Lancaster Area Police, and to the stalls from Stanley's Community Centre. We are with you and CFW."
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "This evening, we're at the Morecambe FC Mazuma Stadium as part of an important community event focused on raising awareness about the impact of knife crime on young people, their families, and the wider community.
Photo credit: Lancashire Police
"We've also brought along our knife arch, giving parents, carers, and young people the chance to see how it works and understand how we use it to help keep people safe.
"We're in great company tonight, hearing powerful stories from families affected by knife crime, as well as speaking with local organisations and partners who work hard every day to give young people positive opportunities and support.
"Thank you to everyone who's attended tonight and engaged with us. Working together is how we keep Morecambe safe."
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