Owen's World 'dedicated' to eradicating knife crime in 2025
The Foundation, set up following the death of Owen Dunn in Swindon, posted their message on Facebook in the New Year
Swindon's Owens World Foundation say their mission going into 2025 is about creating meaningful change against knife crime.
They say they remain dedicated to building safer communities, more than two years after the death of Owen Dunn.
The message on New Year's Day comes just weeks after what would have been his 21st birthday.
Read more: Owen Dunn: Family pay tribute on 21st birthday
Owen was 18 years old when he was attacked by two other teenagers carrying machetes on Mazurek Way, in broad daylight, on 4th December, 2022.
During the trial of Owen's killers, who are now serving life sentences with minimum terms of 19 and 12 years each for murder, it emerged that Owen was also carrying a weapon at the time of his death.
On Facebook, the team posted: "At Owen's World, we are dedicated to combating knife crime and building safer communities. As we move into the new year, we remain more committed than ever to creating meaningful change in Owen's memory.
"Recently, there have been rumours surrounding Owen's tragic death, particularly regarding drugs. We want to set the record straight: the coroner's report confirmed that Owen had no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death.
"It is true that Owen was carrying a knife, a decision he made after being attacked in the days leading up to his passing. This tragedy has only strengthened our resolve to educate others about the dangers of carrying weapons and the importance of addressing knife crime at its roots.
"As we begin the new year, we kindly ask that people refrain from spreading misinformation. Owen's story is a reminder of the complexity of this issue, and we are using his legacy to inspire positive change. Together, we can build safer communities and work toward a future free from knife crime."
More here: Swindon residents urged to light candles in memory of stabbed teenager