Mother of teenager stabbed to death in Forest Gate launches All Champion’s Charity
Launch of the All Champion's Charity, with Champion Ganda's mum Peguy Ganda, her sons and family. Picture: Melissa Page - Credit: Archant
The mother of a teenager who was stabbed to death in Forest Gate has launched a charity which she hopes will prevent parents from experiencing the pain of losing a child.
Launch of the All Champion's Charity, with Champion Ganda's mum Peguy Ganda, siblings and friends and family. Picture: Melissa Page - Credit: Archant
Family and friends of Champion Ganda from Harold Hill gathered at St Paul's Church in Redcar Road on Saturday, July 6, to celebrate the launch of All Champion's Charity which will focus on prevention, rehabilitation and support for families affected by knife crime.
Champion's mother, Peguy Kato, told guests at the launch event why this charity means so much to her.
She said: "Champion was a good boy and a loving boy. So this charity is about love; to give love and to share love, because love is everything.
"When he was a baby, he was my future. That's why I gave him that name, and he's still a champion now.
Beatrice Mushiya speaking about the death of her son Duran William at the launch of all Champion's Charity in Harold Hill. Picture: Melissa Page - Credit: Archant
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"As a charity, we're going to try to help all the champions, because every child is special and unique."
Champion died in the street in Forest Gate on May 9, 2013, after he was the victim of a brutal attack involving belts, a hammer and at least one knife, which he was stabbed with 11 times in the head, chest, arms and legs.
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A 20-year-old man from Canning Town was jailed for 14 years for manslaughter in 2017 in relation to Champion's death.
Peguy warned young people about the dangers of getting involved in fights.
Beatrice Mushiya and Peguy Kato at the launch of all Champion's Charity in Harold Hill. Picture: Melissa Page - Credit: Archant
"If you see people fighting or calling people names you should run away," said Peguy.
"If you can, you should run, because you don't know what people might be carrying in their hands."
All Champion's Charity will be going into schools to talk to youngsters about the impact of knife crime as well as prisons to help rehabilitate those who have already been involved in gangs.
It will also give emotional support and counselling to people who have been affected.
Peguy Kato with the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan at the Operation Shutdown event at City Hall. Picture: Peguy Kato - Credit: Archant
Pastor Jean Bosco Kanyemesha opened the event with a prayer and speech in French for Peguy's family members who are of French heritage.
Pastor Makasi Tomona translated for the English speakers.
"We're living in a society that has become very materialistic," said Pastor Kanyemesha.
"The most important thing should be unity and love.
Peguy Kato was part of a delegation of people who presented their demands to the mayor of London. Picture: Peguy Kato - Credit: Archant
"Our streets need peace and only we can bring that peace into our community.
"That's why the All Champion's Charity is here, to bring forward champions into our community."
Guests enjoyed entertainment from Berna, Villz, Dayasoul and DJ Tobz.
Gavin Mckenna is the founder of the Reach Every Generation charity which aims to transform the lives of young people who have been caught up in a gang.
He was unable to make the event in person but had this message to share with guests at the launch: "Peguy is an incredible woman and I believe Champion's legacy will live on.
"I knew Champion personally before his tragic death.
"I was once involved in a gang myself and it's something I will always carry with me.
"My message is: 'You don't have to live that life'. Charities like All Champion's Charity offer another way."
Beatrice Mushiya's 17-year-old son Duran Williams Kajima, was stabbed to death in Dagenham in November 2016.
She was one of the mum's who shared the heartbreak of losing a child from knife crime.
"Unfortunately it's happening again," said Beatrice.
"Every day in London when I turn on the TV and see that another child has been stabbed, my heart goes down.
"If you know friends that are carrying knives you must stop them."
Before the launch, Peguy travelled to City Hall on Thursday, July 4 with Operation Shutdown campaigners to present a list of 10 demands to the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
The campaigners' demands include a request for the government to review sentencing guidelines for repeat weapon offenders and a request for more community police officers on the streets of London.
Visit here or the AllChampion Charity Facebook page.
