Richard Taylor, who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong campaign against knife crime following the death of his son Damilola, has passed away after a battle with cancer.
Richard Taylor, the father of Damilola Taylor, who was tragically killed in a knife attack in Peckham in 2000 at the age of 10, has passed away at 75 after a battle with prostate cancer. Following his son’s death, Richard devoted himself to campaigning against knife crime and for the welfare of underprivileged children. He also co-founded the Damilola Taylor Trust, aimed at combating knife violence and improving opportunities for young people.
Over the years, Richard’s activism received support from various public figures including footballer Rio Ferdinand and actor John Boyega, amplifying his efforts to address youth violence. His work earned him an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for tackling violent crimes and the foundation of the trust in memory of his son, which delivered numerous community and outreach programs aimed at supporting at-risk youth.
Richard, alongside his late wife Gloria, faced profound personal tragedies including the loss of his son and wife, but continued to advocate for societal changes to ensure safer communities for future generations. His commitment remained unwavering until he stepped back in early 2020 due to health challenges.
The impact of Richard Taylor’s activism, marked by resilience and hope, remains influential, with tributes pouring in highlighting his dedication to creating a positive legacy from the tragedy of Damilola’s death. His legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the Damilola Taylor Trust, inspiring efforts to tackle knife crime and support disadvantaged youth across the UK.
