Richard Taylor, renowned for his 24-year fight against knife violence following the tragic passing of his 10-year-old son Damilola Taylor, has passed away as confirmed by his family.
After his son was tragically killed in a stabbing in November 2000, the ex-civil servant from Nigeria dedicated his efforts to bettering the lives of underprivileged children. He established the Damilola Taylor Trust in order to raise awareness and take action against the issue of knife crime.
Taylor died on Saturday, at the age of 75, after a long illness.
The family released a statement saying that their father, grandfather, and uncle, Mr. Richard Adeyemi Taylor OBE, peacefully passed away early Saturday morning on March 23rd at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich after a long struggle with prostate cancer.
Taylor’s wish was for his son to be renowned as a beacon of hope, with a lasting impact of improving the lives and providing opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Damilola was fatally wounded in a stairwell in Peckham, located in the south-east of London. He was assaulted and cut with a shattered bottle while returning home from a library and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
After three trials in court, Ricky and Danny Preddie, who were responsible for the death, were sentenced to prison for manslaughter.
After their son’s death, Richard Taylor and his wife Gloria were motivated to create a charity in his memory as a response to the tragic event.
Taylor’s colleagues, supporters, and fellow community members expressed their admiration on social media.
“I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with him in Southwark and was impressed by his dedication to upholding Damilola’s legacy and improving the lives of young individuals,” stated former Labour representative Peter John. “His enthusiasm and support will be greatly missed.”
“I am deeply saddened by this news,” stated Florence Eshalomi, the Labour MP for Vauxhall, on X. “Uncle Richard was a resilient individual who carried on the legacy and mission of the Damilola Taylor trust.”
I am revisiting my previous message with him, in which he was reminding me about the responsibilities of the trust. Currently, he has found serenity in the company of his son and wife.
John Austin, a former Labour MP, wrote that Richard dedicated his life to enhancing the well-being of other kids.
PR specialist Ronke Lawal recalled Taylor as “a man of high moral character and honesty who dedicated himself to tirelessly advocating for an end to the epidemic of youth violence and knife crime.”
Lawal wrote, “He preserved the memory of his son, Damilola, and ensured that his legacy will endure. We are grateful for his life.”
In 2008, Gloria passed away due to a heart attack, and Richard carried on their work in the subsequent years.
Well-known individuals, such as soccer player Rio Ferdinand who was raised in Peckham, showed their support for the family and their charitable efforts.
John Boyega, known for his role in Star Wars, was a close childhood friend of Damilola. Boyega and his sister Grace were one of the few individuals who saw the 10-year-old on the day of his tragic murder.
Several prominent politicians honored Taylor on the X website on Saturday. Harriet Harman, a former cabinet member, expressed her condolences, saying, “I am deeply saddened by this news. Rest in peace, Richard Taylor.”
He continuously advocated for other children to have opportunities that his dear Damilola was never given.
The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, expressed his condolences in response to the news, stating, “I am deeply saddened by this news. I had the privilege of working with Richard during my time at City Hall. Despite facing a great personal tragedy, he remained strong and carried himself with dignity. He will be greatly missed.”
I extend my sincerest sympathies to the loved ones of Richard Taylor. He was a remarkable individual and a close companion, and he will be deeply missed.
“He was always full of uplifting and insightful words for me. I will miss him dearly. May he find eternal peace and be reunited with Damilola in heaven.”
Source: theguardian.com
