Trust set up to honour murdered Reading schoolboy Olly Stephens
Olly's work will promote hope and happiness
A trust has been launched in honour of schoolboy Olly Stephens, who lived in Reading, to support young people and help tackle online bullying.
Olly Stephens, 13, lived with his dad, Stuart and his mum, Amanda, in Caversham.
Four years ago, he was murdered in an attack by two other teenage boys at Bugs Bottom.
Since his passing, Olly has been remembered as a loving and charming boy who had a passion for music.
His parents have launched a trust in his name to honour his memory.
Called ‘Olly’s Work’, the trust will help raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and online bullying.
Olly’s Work has already worked with Starting Point, a mentoring and support organisation for young people.
Children supported by Starting Point helped design the logo and promotional material for the trust.
Mrs Stephens said: “We cannot thank Simon Ray from Starting Point enough, and the young people who have created us an Olly’s Work logo, leaflet, business cards, pull-up banners, slide deck, QR code, web pages and wristbands.
“Their creativity and design have allowed us a very personalised brand design and marketing for our work in the future.
“Having this help has given us the confidence to present in Reading secondary schools and start to build our own charity for the future.
“I do believe without this support and guidance, we would not be where we are today.
“The young people involved, by listening to what we hoped Olly’s Work would be, pulled out ideas that we hadn’t realised were fundamental to Olly’s Work: your life matters, your potential is limitless, your joy is possible when we stand together.”
Money from a Santa’s grotto at the Kingdom Rooms showroom in Armour Hill, Tilehurst, will be raised for Olly’s Work.
The event will take place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, December 20.
A mural honouring Olly’s memory, created by street artist Peachy, was unveiled at Emmer Green Primary School in June last year.