Family of teen Champion Ganda, who was fatally stabbed in Forest Gate, speak of heartache

Champion's mother Peguy Kato watching one of his videos on YouTube (photo: Ellie Hoskins) (Image: Archant)

Police launched a murder investigation after Champion, of Redruth Road, Harold Hill, died after a savage attack in broad daylight on Thursday, May 9, in Sandringham Road.

The 17-year-old, who attended Newham College, had been visiting friends in the area.

“My son was a good boy,” broken-hearted mum Peguy Kato, 36, told the Recorder. “I love him so much.

“I miss him more every day and every minute.”

Champion and his siblings moved to Havering from inner east London in 2010. The eldest of seven, Champion was “like a dad in the house”, Ms Kato said.

“He was always joking around,” she added. “He loved his family. No one could come between him and his brothers – even me. They were very close.

“The triplets are seven and Champion was 17, but they could be together in one bedroom and he knew how to play with them and make them laugh.”

Wiping away tears, his girlfriend of three years Danielle Clarke, 17, said the teenager had considered a number of careers, but dreamed of becoming a professional musician.

Talented Champion, who rapped under the name Chrome, had uploaded a number of homemade videos to YouTube, some of which have notched up more than 6.000 views.

As one of the videos played behind her, Danielle said: “He loved rap music.

“He often changed his mind on what he wanted to do – he tried boxing, acting, fitness instructing and mechanics.”

She added he had recently returned to college, where he was studying performing arts.

“We met in Year 7 and we’d been together since Year 9,” she said. “I don’t know how I’m coping – one day I’m alright and the next day I’m not.”

Champion’s younger brother Prince added: “Champion was a good brother.

“He was the best brother I ever had. He was kind and wonderful and special.”

Ms Kato added: “Before my son died, I was scared. I used to say: ‘I don’t want to die one day.’

“But now I think it’s good to die because if I die today I’ll be with Champion.

“So if I’m here I’m with my kids, but if I die I’m with Champion.

“I miss him every day.”

Five people – three 17-year-old boys and two men aged 18 and 21 – were arrested and bailed in connection with Champion’s killing. Four of them have been bailed to return in early July. No one has been charged.

Police are still appealing for witnesses. If you have information about the incident in Sandringham Road, which happened at about 2pm, call 020 8345 3775 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.