Danny O'Shea's memorial trophy and plaque. Pic by Rick Findler

Family of Danny O’Shea unveils tribute at his former school

Luke Jacobs Friday, July 20, 2012
4:00 PM

A school attended by a Custom House teenager who was killed last year has been gifted fitting prizes in his memory.

Daisy Allen is presented with her trophy by Evan Hollows, Danny's former PE teacher and his mother Julie Brewer. Pic by Rick Findler

The Danny O’Shea memorial shield and trophy was presented by his family at Hallsville Primary School in Radland Road on Friday.

Ten trophies - engraved with the popular 18-year-old’s name - will also be handed out at the end of every summer term to the footballer of the year.

The West Ham fan was stabbed to death on December 2 last year in an incident near to his home in Gill Avenue.

Jim Blewitt, partner of Danny’s mother Julie Brewer, said they were also hoping to buy and plant some fruit trees in his memory at the school later this year.

Photographer: Rick Findler 13.07.12 Danny O'Shea trophy and memorial at Hallsville Primary School. Pictured left to right - Sadie McCrudden (cousin), Bailey O'Shea (cousin), Tina O'Shea (aunt), Mick O'Shea (granddad), Jim Blewitt (step-dad) Julie Brewer (mum), Jessie Brewer (sister), Jake Taylor (cousin), Karen O'Shesa (aunt), Chelsea Taylor (cousin), Caroline Taylor (aunt) and front Archie Taylor (cousin)

He said: “We wanted to do something that was going to benefit the children at the school, and save them some money.

“(Danny) loved that school, his sister and his brother went there and his nieces will too.

“His old PE teacher (Mr Hollows) came back for the presentation as well.”

Daisy Allen, 11, was presented with the first trophy by Mr Hollows and headteacher Keri Edge.

It is now seven months since the teenager was buried at the City of London Cemetery in Manor Park. Nine people have been charged in connection with his murder and have been remanded in custody until September 25.

Mr Blewitt revealed some of Danny’s former classmates still leave tributes at his house every week.

The family also attended his grave on June 18, his birthday.

He added: “His friends never forget him, they sometimes leave a can of Coke here or they visit the cemetery.

“The police tell us what they can about the investigation and we are very grateful for the information they give us.”