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Memorial service for Damilola to be held

27/11/2008

A memorial service for the schoolboy Damilola Taylor will be held later, on what would have been his 18th birthday.

Damilola was stabbed to death near his home in Peckham, south-east London, eight years ago.

A service will take place at Southwark cathedral on Thursday in remembrance for all those who have died in youth violence.

A number of senior politicians are expected to attend the service, including mayor of London Boris Johnson and the Archbishop of York the Right Reverend John Sentamu.

Damilola's father, Richard, told Sky News ahead of the service: "Damilola would have been in his 18th year and would have been going on to become a doctor at university.

"I have lost a son but the nation has lost a doctor. That it is the true cost of losing our young people.

"Today is the day that we want all families to consider how we can put an end to this and it is very important that the community stands united on this day and every day."