Community unites in memory of Olivia on her birthday
Plans are underway to keep Olivia Pratt-Korbel's legacy alive
Last updated 25th Aug 2023
A Merseyside community devastated by the effects of gun crime, is remembering a little girl on what would've been her tenth birthday.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel was murdered when a man being chased by a gunman ran into her home last summer.
Earlier this year, a man was found guilty of her murder and jailed for life.
Since Olivia's death, a local community group in Dovecot has come up with a plan to convert land on Kingsheath Avenue, near where she lived, into a children's play area and garden in her memory.
Our charity Cash for Kids is now helping KADVA (Kingsheath and District Veteran's Association) to raise the much-needed funds, and donations can be made here.
Cheryl Korbel said:
“My family and I have been overwhelmed with the amount of support that we have received from the community regarding the proposed memorial garden for Olivia. Olivia loved to play with her friends and I know she would have been really excited at the thought of this happening.
"Liv would be absolutely made up with it"
"Liv would be absolutely made up with it. The fact that it's only down the road from where we lived, she would've been able to play with her friends, but I know she'll be up there watching all her friends play.
"Having a lovely safe area for children to play and make memories with friends would be a huge positive for the area. I look forward to the day when the plans come to life and the garden is complete.
"It'll be lovely to spend a bit of time in there and reflect and watch the kids playing, even Liv's friends, it's a long-lasting legacy.
"I fully support the fundraising efforts of everyone involved and encourage people to donate to the garden in memory of our beautiful Olivia”
The petition
A petition is calling for a change in the law so offenders have to appear in court when they're sentenced.
It's after the man who killed Olivia, refused to come up from the cells to hear his sentence, or the victim impact statements from Olivia's loved ones.
The 'Face The Family' campaign is pushing the government to introduce new laws, which order an offender to be present in court for sentencing or face further punishment.
You can sign the petition now by clicking here.