‘Our family will never recover from his death’-Bereaved mum shares her heartbreak on the day her son was murdered.

Six years ago on September 13, Ricky Hayden aged 27 years old was fatally stabbed outside of his home. Ricky was a much loved member of the community who worked in Romford and across London as part of a security team. His death has left an irreplaceable hole for his family.

Ricky was asleep at his home in Marks Gate when he ran down stairs wearing nothing but his boxer shorts to stop thieves taking his brother’s moped. He was stabbed across the thigh that caused catastrophic bleeding that finally resulted in Ricky’s family having to make the horrific decision to turn his life support machine off.

Since then, his parents, brother and sister have had their life torn apart, a life that will never be the same again following Ricky’s death.

Much is written about in regards to knife crime, yet the bottom line is- six years on and still nobody cares and nothing is done to stop these daily horrors from taking place on our streets.

Parents and families campaign, anti knife crime campaigners keep battling on, yet no one has managed to take this matter forward and address it once and for all.

Sue Hedges, Ricky’s mum told the Havering Daily:”My family will never be the same. Part of us died with Ricky that day.To have to say goodbye to your son like that is something none of us will ever recover from.”

Sue, Paul, April and Perry wake up everyday and keep going, keep fighting and keep hoping that one day no more adults or youths will die at the hands of a knife. The pain they endure really is indescribable and the ongoing trauma they live with, makes them go through some very dark days knowing that they will never see Ricky again.

Yet everyday this family goes on and not only making the best of it that that they can, but also making their voices heard in the endless battle to stop knife crime.

These families are heroes, families that live with intense trauma and yet still manage to have a smile on their face and reach out to support others.

Ricky, you were so loved by your family, your friends and your colleagues, and your name will live on not only in their hearts but for us too as your community.

Sue, April, Paul and Perry, you are amazing campaigners in the battle to stop knife crime and today we salute you and thank you for being the incredible community champions you are despite having your heart so full of sorrow.

Rest in Peace Rick- gone but definitely never forgotten.