Mizen murder anniversary peace plea

The 16-year-old Catholic boy was killed the day after his birthday at the Three Cooks' Bakery in Lee, south east London, on May 10 last year.

A memorial service to mark the first anniversary of his death was held at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church within sight of the spot where he died in his brother's arms.

Hundreds of friends, family and campaigners against violent crime gathered at the church to remember the young man's life. They were joined by the parents of another young murder victim, Rob Knox, who was stabbed to death aged 18 while trying to protect his brother outside a bar in Sidcup, Kent a week after Jimmy died. Richard Taylor, the father of murdered Damilola, was also at the service.

The Knox family and Mr Taylor joined Barry and Margaret Mizen to launch a new group, United Parents, which aims to help young people and divert them from violent crime. They also unveiled a memorial bench based on the design of an olive branch just outside the Three Cooks' Bakery, which is inscribed with Jimmy's name and the words "Brother, friend, inspiration".

During the service, Mrs Mizen told the congregation: "There are so many young people whom we need to remember. We have to make a stand and say we can't take it any more. We can make a change. I know we can."

She spoke of Jimmy's thoughtful and generous nature and the little things he would do for family and friends - like sending his grandmother a nightly text message to say goodnight. She asked the congregation to "ponder for a moment what a wonderful man he would have been".

Jimmy's older brother, Danny, also spoke during the service. He said: "The most important thing in my life is my family and my girlfriend. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to make you realise. To Jimmy I'd like to say: I love you, I miss you, and I'll never forget you."

Jimmy's brother Tommy performed Sparkle, a song he wrote in memory of his brother.

Later, as the bench was unveiled, Mr Mizen said: "Today for us was a message of peace, a message of change that we have been gradually working towards over the year." He said that by working together, the families of United Parents could reach a wider audience than they could alone.