Plymouth to wear purple and march in memory of Bobbi-Anne McLeod
Those attending are asked to wear purple and bring candles for a minute of silence
Last updated 21st May 2022
A march and vigil will take place in Plymouth to celebrate the life of Bobbi-Anne McLeod.
The vigil will start at 1pm on Saturday (21st) May, starting at the city's Sundial.
The organised memorial will see tributes being paid to the 18-year-old as protestors wear purple and hold candles as communities join to remember her.
Charlotte Holloway, women's safety campaigner and co-organiser, said: "We are focusing specifically on Bobbi-Anne in her memory. We really need to focus on the life that was lost and this is a standing shoulder-to-shoulder in support of Bobbi-Anne's family, her friends and all of the Leigham community who are suffering that loss and that pain.
"It's so important that we cherish her life. The march will be a moment of reflection, of coming together, as with previous marches we have done.
"We're coming together for this march for a number of reasons, there's a great deal of pain at the news that came out from the sentencing and as women we feel it's really important that we celebrate Bobbi-Anne and her life, her memory and the life she would have led".
The march is the fourth of similar events which have taken place to End Violence Against Women and Girls in the city, with this one paying tribute in particular to Bobbi-Anne.
It comes following details of the sentencing, where Cody Ackland, 24, from Plymouth, was jailed for life for her brutal murder.
Charlotte continued: "That pain and shared support for eachother is really the focus for us all to come together and reflect and mourn and not focus on the person that has been put away for it. It's so important that we cherish her life.
"There are still too many women who don't feel safe on the streets of Plymouth and surrounds. Too many women who aren't going out at night because they don't feel safe. That really has to change".
Elle Butcher, 18, organiser, wrote on the Facebook page: "Just as we stood side by side at Bobbi-Anne’s vigils, and have marched through the streets of Plymouth, once again Plymothians, especially women, will march side by side in her memory and to celebrate her life...
"This protest is going to be entirely different as we are dedicating it to Bobbi-Anne McLeod. So I ask you all kindly, to in some way be wearing the colour purple, for example a shirt, shoes, makeup, face paint etc.
"I also ask you if you are all able to bring a candle with you, as we will be having a few moments silence for her".
The march aims to celebrate the life of Bobbi-Anne McLeod with speeches, tributes and moments of silence to remember her by.
You can find out more details about the event on the Facebook page.