Idowu family - An inspiration for us all - Simon Hughes

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd Jul 2008

Simon Hughes MP praised Grace and Timothy Idowu and their family at the beginning and end of the march for David which took place on Tuesday 22nd July.

Speaking to family, friends, neighbours and supporters who gathered at Great Dover Street, where David was fatally stabbed on June 17th 2008, Simon Hughes, the family's MP said:

'Grace and Timothy Idowu and their children have been an inspiration to all the community as they have suffered and lost and grieved for their son David in recent weeks. Their dignity, their faith and their determination that there should be a positive and safe future for other teenagers and families has been a encouragement throughout and far beyond our communities.

Mr Hughes said that it was not inevitable that there should be continuing stabbings and killings in the parks and on the streets of South London. Good can triumph over evil and good can come of this and the other recent local tragedies. Many people and organisations and faith groups are working better than ever to support and engage young people and turn them away from knives and away from guns.

Mr Hughes then joined the family and hundreds of others in marching along Borough High Street and via the Elephant and Castle to St Georges Road on their way to Westminster. Meeting the marchers again opposite Downing Street, Mr Hughes accompanied the family when they went in to see the Prime Minister at No. 10.

After the meeting the family, Mr Hughes and the three other MPs present thanked the marchers for their support and their commitment.

'We will go on building up the people and the organisations in our communities who can make a difference - but with more energy and determination now than ever before'.

The Idowu family plan to meet Mr Hughes, and local councillors again in the near future to take forward existing and new initiatives in the Borough and the wider Southwark community.

(ENDS)