Charity founded in honour of knife crime victim Jodie Chesney marks official launch with football match

A charity founded in memory of knife crime victim Jodie Chesney was officially launched at a charity football match at Dagenham and Redbridge’s Victoria Road Stadium yesterday afternoon (Sunday, September 22).

A 17-year-old from Dagenham, Jodie was fatally stabbed during a knife attack in Amy's Park, Harold Hill on March 1 this year in an act of violence which shocked the nation and made headlines across the UK.

And at Victoria Road on Sunday, The Jodie Chesney Foundation celebrated its official launch with a football match between the Chesney Allstars and Sunday League Legends.

Speaking to the crowd before the game, Jodie's father Peter said: "I'm chuffed to bits to see so many people here from Jodie's hometown of Dagenham and the surrounding areas.

"Thank you all very much.

"The journey that we are about to embark on with this charity has only just begun, we are now a fully registered charity and after speaking with countless local leaders, MPs, Sadiq Khan, and the new home secretary, our ambition is to change today's, and indeed tomorrow's, culture of young people that think it's normal to carry and use knives.

"It isn't normal, and I'm on a mission to drive home the message to our children and future generations that carrying a knife can only end badly.

"We need to break this vicious cycle of knife culture which is taking away our children.

"I have got a fantastic team behind me and we are determined to make a difference."

Peter went on the pay tribute to his daughter, who was killed on his birthday.

He said: "For those of you who never met Jodie, she was the loveliest, funniest and most kind character you could ever wish to meet, and everybody who was lucky enough to meet her would agree.

"Her infectious laugh could light up any room and there was never a dull moment with Jodie around.

"She was a proud geek, a little bit geeky, never one to follow the crowd.

"She had a great bunch of friends who she loved dearly, all of her family and her dog Woody.

"Everything about Jodie revolved around being good and kind and I want to keep that kindness going in her honour with this charity."

To support the Jodie Chesney Foundation, visit the charity's official Twitter account, @JodieChesneyFDN, or donate online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thejcf.