Manchester gathered together to joyfully celebrate some of its heroes, but the importance of what they do for the city was brought into sharp focus by one mother who lost her son to violent knife crime - "it’s us that serve the life sentence."
The city honoured its finest at the annual Be Proud Awards on Friday night at the Midland Hotel (March 3), created by Manchester City Council to reward the extraordinary volunteers and unsung local champions who make a real difference for their neighbourhoods. Among them was Kelly Brown, the mother of teenager Rhamero West who was stabbed to death in broad daylight.
Three men were jailed for life for Rhamero's murder in Old Trafford in September 2021. He was chased down by a 'pack of wolves' before he was fatally knifed on Norton Street, heard the court case, as a senior detective said it was a 'miracle' that members of the public were not caught up in the terrifying incident.
Since the 16-year-old's murder, Kelly has dedicated her life to making change. In memory of Rhamero, she established Mero's World Foundation to help prevent other families going through what hers has endured.
Kelly raised money to set up some 20 bleed cabinets around the city, which are kits for public use in the event of a stabbing or any other incident which leads to blood loss. Kelly also created a youth hub, aiming to help keep young people off the streets in the evenings.
Through group discussions, short films and testimonies, Kelly illustrates the dangers of carrying knives - and the horrific consequences. Kelly went home with two gongs including the Creating Safer Neighbourhoods Award, followed by the Pride of Manchester Award given to the 'champion of champions' from the event, sponsored by the Manchester Evening News.
The mum told the M.E.N.: "I’m overwhelmed and just trying to absorb it all. I'm so blown away and dedicate it all to my son. I’ve got no words - Rhamero is giving me the strength to make a change in our Manchester streets."
Kelly also visits schools to talk about the horrors of knife crime. She explained: "I've spent a lot of time reaching out to families in same situation as me, giving them an opportunity to share their stories.
"We need to share the message that by losing our sons in a tragic way, it has a ripple effect on families. It’s us that serve the life sentence."
Kelly's powerful words after murder convictions
Catering student Rhamero had just completed his first day at college when he was attacked. In an emotional statement after three were conviced of his murder, Ms Brown said: "To the court, my boy is just a statistic – another case – but to me this is real life and my beautiful fun-loving, caring, respectable boy who loved his family.
"Rhamero is our youngest son aged 16 and had his whole life ahead of him with so many goals he wanted to achieve. Goals that were taken away from him in such a cruel and horrific way.
"He was looking forward to his first day at college and he enjoyed even just his short time of space there. Rhamero was going to see his friends after college and he never made it home.
"All those involved in taking my son's life will serve their time and justice will prevailed. However during this time we know that they will still be able to have contact with family and will one day be released back into society.
"Their families will not suffer the way we have. These people will still be able to set and achieve goals, have a family, go on holidays and be around all those that love them.
"This was robbed from Rhamero. We are doing a life sentence and things will never be the same again for us and his family.
"Rhamero touched the lives of not just his family, friends but the community as well. Why did these individuals want to kill our boy, chase him down and take his life? We ask this question all the time.
"These boys hunted my son down like a pack of wolves, none of them considering the real impact on not only our family but theirs alike. You will probably list your problems to get a lighter sentence.
"However, you took our son's life. From start to finish during this trial I have seen no remorse from any of the defendants and what they have done to our boy.
“You have been giggling and smirking in the dock like it's all a big game to you. This is real. None of you have any respect for myself, my family or even this courtroom."
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