FAMILIES devastated by knife crime united to campaign for action and remember their loved ones at a special event in Stourbridge last weekend.

Hundreds of people turned out to Tackling Knife Crime Together, which saw the family of the late Ryan Passey joined by families from across the UK who have suffered similar heartache.

Jason Connon, from the Justice for Ryan campaign group, said he was blown away by the support the day received on Sunday, September 22.

The day began with a ‘walk in our shoes’ anti-knife crime march from the town clock in Market Street, Stourbridge, to the War Memorial Club at Amblecote, followed by a remembrance celebration at the ground.

A charity football match saw the family and friends of Ryan Passey take on the family and friends of stabbing victim Reagan Asbury, while a raffle, games and a disco provided entertainment in what was an emotion-filled event.

Jason said: "It was an amazing day. We marched as the heavens opened but then it cleared up for what was a great day."

He said the highlight of the event was seeing the support of the community who came out to join in with the commemorations, with people braving the weather to march along the streets in the rain to support the families.

The day poignantly saw the families and friends of knife crime victims join the event, some from as far as Manchester, to call for greater justice for knife crime victims.

The loved ones of Stuart Roe, James Brindley, Reagan Asbury, Jordan Taylor, Gee Smith, Fidel Glasgow, Yousef Makki, Daniel Baird, Giovanni Lewis and Jourdan Griffiths attended, along with Anti-Knife UK founder Danny O’Brien.

Jason said it was crucial that the families stick together to tackle not just knife crime, but to highlight the failures of the justice system.

He said: "It's a club that nobody wants to be part of but all the families provide great support for each other and we keep in contact regularly.

The Justice for Ryan campaign is continuing to make strides, with Jason meeting with Mike Wood MP to gain the support of the new Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Jason added: "The figures on knife crime speak for themselves, we want to highlight the failures within the justice system, not only for Ryan but for other families."