Richard Taylor, the father of Damilola Taylor who was tragically killed at the young age of 10, has passed away after dedicating 24 years to fighting against knife crime. His family has shared the news of his passing.
After his son was fatally stabbed in November 2000, the ex-Nigerian government employee devoted himself to bettering the lives of underprivileged children. He also established the Damilola Taylor Trust to raise awareness about the issue of knife crime.
On Saturday, Taylor passed away at the age of 75 after battling a prolonged illness.
The family released a statement announcing the passing of their beloved father, grandfather, and uncle, Mr. Richard Adeyemi Taylor OBE. He had been battling prostate cancer and passed away in the early hours of Saturday, March 23rd at Queen Elizabeth hospital in Woolwich.
Taylor’s desire was for his son to be remembered as a symbol of hope and for his legacy to bring a better life and opportunities to marginalized youth.
Damilola was fatally wounded and left to die in a staircase in Peckham, a neighborhood in south-east London. He was assaulted and cut with a shattered bottle while walking home from the library.
Following three trials in crown court, Ricky and Danny Preddie, who are brothers, were sentenced and incarcerated for manslaughter.
Inspired by the loss of their son, Richard Taylor and his wife, Gloria, established a charitable organization in his honor.
Various social media users and individuals from the campaign and local community who had collaborated with Taylor expressed their condolences.
“I had the opportunity to collaborate with him closely in Southwark and was impressed by his dedication to upholding Damilola’s legacy and improving the lives of young individuals,” stated Peter John, a former Labour council member. “His fervor and vocal support will be greatly missed.”
The Labour MP for Vauxhall, Florence Eshalomi, posted on X: “Very sad to hear this news. Uncle Richard was a strong man who held the legacy and light for the Damilola Taylor trust.
“I am currently reviewing my previous conversation with him in which he was reminding me about the responsibilities of the trust. He has now found peace with his beloved son and wife.”
John Austin, a former Labour MP, stated that Richard committed his life to enhancing the well-being of other children.
PR specialist Ronke Lawal recalled Taylor as “a person of upstanding character and integrity, who dedicated himself tirelessly to advocating for an end to youth violence and knife crime.”
“He ensured that the memory of his son, Damilola, remained alive,” Lawal stated. “His legacy will continue to thrive. We are grateful for the impact his life had.”
After suffering a heart attack, Gloria passed away in 2008. Richard, on the other hand, carried on with their work in the years that followed.
Celebrity Rio Ferdinand, who hails from Peckham, joined forces with other well-known personalities to show support for the family’s philanthropic efforts.
Star Wars actor John Boyega was a childhood friend of Damilola and he and his sister Grace were among the last people to see the 10-year-old alive before he walked home on the day he was murdered.
Many notable leaders honored Taylor on the X platform over the weekend. Former member of parliament Harriet Harman stated, “It is heartbreaking to hear about this. Rest in peace, Richard Taylor.”
He continuously advocated for other children to have opportunities that his beloved Damilola was never able to receive.
I am sorry to hear the news. During my time at city hall, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Richard. Despite facing a significant personal tragedy, he remained determined and dignified. He will be greatly missed.
Dawn Butler, Member of Parliament for Brent Central, expressed her heartfelt sympathies to the family of Richard Taylor. She described him as a wonderful person and a close friend.
“He consistently shared words of wisdom with me, for which I will always be grateful. His presence will be greatly missed. May he find eternal peace and be reunited with Damilola in heaven.”
Source: theguardian.com
