A GRIEVING dad delivered a powerful message to students about knife-crime following the death of his son.
Dr Mark Prince OBE shared the tragic story of his son Kiyan, who was stabbed to death when he was 15-years-old.
Kiyan Prince died when he intervened in a fight taking place outside his school in north London in 2006.
The boy was a 'hugely talented and wonderful' footballer, playing for Queen's Park Rangers youth team.
Dr Mark Prince OBE launched the Kiyan Prince Foundation in his memory, raising awareness of knife crime.
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On Friday, November 12, Mark spoke to more than 80 students from schools across Sandhurst, which was funded by Thames Valley Police’s Bracknell Local Policing Area.
Students were told about the dangers of knife crime, how to make positive choices in life and to stay clear of drugs.
Marijuana Anonymous, a support organisation set up for those struggling with substance misuse and particularly cannabis also attended the session as well as a clinician from Broadmoor Hospital.
Sgt Emma Read of Thames Valley Police said: “To hear Mark Prince speak so passionately and so movingly about the loss of his son, a hugely talented and wonderful person, had an obvious affect on many of the children attending today.
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“But this wasn’t about shocking them. Mark also has an incredibly hopeful story and a strong message to all young people that however they feel, however they perform in school, they have a purpose for good.
“We hope that by providing educational events we can raise the awareness of the risks and consequences of crime – particularly drugs and knives. But we also want young people to be equipped to make the right choices for themselves.
“We were honoured to host the Kiyan Prince Foundation today, I hope it has had a lasting impact on the children who attended, and we hope to continue working with the Foundation as we strive to keep our young people safe.”
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