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David Idowa
Grieving: David Idowu's mother Grace, kneeling at the scene of his stabbing in Great Dover Street, Southwark
David Idowa Grace Idowu with her son David

Mother weeps for her 'sweet boy' stabbed to death at 14

Rashid Razaq, Evening Standard
09.07.08

In driving rain, the mother of David Idowu fell to her knees weeping uncontrollably at the spot where her 14-year-old son was stabbed to death.

Holding a gold balloon with "God Bless David" written on it, Mrs Idowu sang a hymn in her son's memory, crying until her family helped her to her feet.

She said: "We love you David but God loves you more. May your heart and soul rest in peace."

The church-going computing enthusiast's family visited the scene on Great Dover Street in Southwark where he was stabbed just yards from his front door.

David's parents, bus driver Tim, 56, and supermarket checkout assistant Grace, 48, accompanied by his brothers Peter, 18, and James 13, told how their son had wanted to enter politics because he believed "change could only come through good world leaders".

David, who was attacked three weeks ago, died of his injuries at Royal London Hospital on Monday.

The academic schoolboy had also recently given an impassioned speech against knife crime at his school.

Mrs Idowu said: "David is with his heavenly father but we shall see him again. The body of Christ let us call for revival on this great nation and God will hear us."

Mr Idowu told how his son was "the light of this house" and had recently visited Madame Tussaud's to have his picture taken with the wax figure of former US president Bill Clinton, who he admired and wanted to emulate. Mr Idowu said: "David always thought of what to do now and what will happen in the future.

"He believed change can only come through good world leaders. He was the light of this house, organised and managed things. Our lives can never be the same again."

Church elder Odunayo Otti, who is a member of the Christ Apostolic Church in Bermondsey where the family worship, said: "He was a sweet and loving boy, never mixed up in any trouble.

"He was always at church with his family and worked hard at school. We're all just trying to help the family cope as best they can."


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