Antoin Akpom Achievements Foundation
1861. Cheryl Armatrading
Cheryl Armatrading, from Leicester, founded the ‘Antoin Akpom Achievements (AAA) Foundation’ after the murder of her son, Antoin, to work with young people offering workshops in skills, confidence building, arts and sport to deter them from street crime.
Cheryl also gives victim awareness talks in local primary schools to teach children about the impact of crime on families like hers.
In a personal letter to Cheryl, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I am lost in admiration for the strength you have shown since losing your son Antoin in such an unspeakable tragedy. In founding the ‘Antoin Akpom Achievements (AAA) Foundation’, you have created a legacy of hope in Antoin’s name.
“Gang violence destroys lives and communities and I was particularly inspired to learn of the workshops you provide to young people. It is vital that young people have something to do and somewhere safe to go; your work providing sports clubs and activities does just that.”