£1,000 donation made in memory of rapper
A foundation set up to raise awareness around youth violence and knife crime has received £1,000 from a housing firm.
The Joshua Ribera Foundation CIC received the cash boost from Persimmon Homes Central to help produce information booklets.
The group was named in memory of the 18-year-old Birmingham rapper – known as Depzman – who was killed with a knife in 2013.
Alison Cope, his mother, said: "We can use the funds to print and distribute safety awareness booklets that support families and professionals to discuss knife crime in an age appropriate and educational way.
"We are funded by schools and pupil referral units who are concerned about the 87 per cent increase around youth violence, but sadly limitations to school budgets restricts access to the presentations. This will be a great help."
Alison has spoken to upwards of 440,000 young people aged between nine and 19 since losing Joshua in 2013.
Sarah Preston, sales director designate for Persimmon Homes Central, said: "Alison’s story is truly inspiring, and we are proud to recognise her dedication and support her ongoing cause."
