“How Many More Children Must Die?” Bereaved Mother Leads Emotional Anti-Knife Crime Vigil In Romford

16th June 202616th June 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments min read

Bereaved families, councillors, community champions and residents stood shoulder to shoulder outside Havering Town Hall yesterday evening in a powerful show of unity against knife crime.

Watch the video here

The anti-knife crime vigil was led by Havering bereaved mother Sue Hedges, whose son Ricky Hayden was murdered in a violent machete attack in 2016.

For nearly a decade, Sue has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of knife crime, support bereaved families and push for greater action to prevent young lives being lost.

Addressing the crowd, Sue spoke passionately about the devastating impact knife crime has on families and communities.

She told those gathered that for years she and other bereaved mothers have pleaded with politicians to do more to tackle the violence that continues to claim the lives of young people across London and beyond.

Residents gathered to lay flowers and pay their respects to all those who have lost their lives to knife crime, including Henry Nowak, whose recent death has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of violence.

The vigil was both a moment of remembrance and a call for action.

Many in attendance spoke of their determination to stand united against knife crime and support those families whose lives have been changed forever.

Also addressing the crowd was Havering’s Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Prince, who spoke about his longstanding work alongside bereaved mothers and campaigners in the fight against knife crime.

Councillor Prince highlighted the importance of community action and reflected on the work that has been carried out over the years to raise awareness and support initiatives aimed at saving lives.

One of those initiatives has been the distribution of Daniel Baird Bleed Kits, a cause that Sue has championed passionately.

During her speech, Sue spoke about her ongoing efforts to install the life-saving kits across London and beyond.

The kits, designed to provide emergency treatment for catastrophic bleeding, have been credited with helping to save lives on numerous occasions and are regarded by campaigners as a vital tool in responding to serious injuries before emergency services arrive.

Councillor Prince also spoke about an anti-knife crime summit he hosted at City Hall several years ago.

Yesterday, Councillor Prince spoke about how he had asked the London Mayor if Daniel Baird bleed kits could be installed across every train station across London in a bid to save lives.However, the proposal was declined by the London Mayor. Campaigners continue to call for greater access to bleed control equipment in public places.

The evening also highlighted the determination of local residents and community groups to support anti-knife crime initiatives.

Community champion Maxine from Sole Steppers and Hornchurch HRA Councillor Julie Wilkes were praised after raising £250 for the Ricky Hayden Memorial, money that will help fund the purchase of additional Daniel Baird Bleed Kits.

Sue Hedges with Councillor Julie Wilkes and Max from Sole Steppers.

The donation was warmly welcomed by campaigners who say every additional kit installed has the potential to save a life.

As flowers were laid and a minute’s silence observed, there was a clear message from those gathered outside the Town Hall.

Knife crime is not just a statistic.

It leaves behind devastated parents, grieving siblings, broken friendships and communities struggling to understand why another young life has been lost.

For Sue Hedges and the families standing alongside her, the fight continues.

And yesterday’s vigil served as a powerful reminder that behind every knife crime victim is a family whose life will never be the same again.

Their message was simple: enough is enough.