The mother of Jamie Simpson, who was murdered during a robbery at a Matalan store, has received the NBCPA Profile In Courage Award recognising her selfless work to raise awareness of the impact of knife crime.
Jamie’s mother, Lorna Simpson, was honoured with the award at our annual conference in London yesterday.
Jamie Simpson was just 33 years old when he was stabbed to death during the robbery at the store in Hackney in March 2008.
Receiving her award, Mrs Simpson a tutor at Derby College, said: “I am honoured and grateful to be chosen to receive this recognition. The work I do is to support young people in the name of my son Jamie Simpson.
“At one point, Jamie wanted to be a youth worker, but he ended up in retail, so I decided to do something positive in his name that would be of benefit to young people and the community.”
Lorna Simpson started the Jamie Simpson Trust to prevent knife crime and provide young people with opportunities to excel.
Grace Ononiwu CBE, OBE, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS West Midlands, who presented the award told Mrs Simpson: “You have demonstrated the dignity, strength of character and courage that outstrips civic duty. I know you have been going about your efforts quietly, but I need you to know that we see you and today, the NBCPA commends you.”
NBCPA chair, Grace Moronfolu MBE, added: “Over the past seven years, Lorna has supported several groups and projects that work with young people. She also gives talks about the effects of knife crime on families, and the trauma that they go through and hopes that when she expresses the pain and suffering that her family has experienced, it might make young people stop and think before they pick up a knife. Lorna is truly deserving of this award.”
The Profile in Courage Award is presented annually by the NBCPA to someone who has demonstrated exemplary courage, or who has put themselves at risk far and above what would normally be expected of a victim or witness involved in proceedings or whose assistance to the criminal justice system or authorities has been of benefit to the community at large.
Well done to you sister Lorna, that’s what mothers do, we fight for our children. May God himself sustain your life. Stay strong.
Well done Lorna ??
I am so happy that you got this Lorna ! Jamie is smiling down from heaven !
Congratulations Lorna, through the daily battles and for all your pain and suffering you have only ever chosen to make something positive out of this horrible situation.
You truely are an inspiration to others, thank you .
Keep up the good work, well done in the memory of your son & all mother who have gone through this terrible ordeal. God bless.
Well done Lorna and wishing you and your family all the very best for future campaign
I am so pleased and proud of you. The challenges you faced have been recognised through the work you do. It’s an honour to know you .. keep doing what you do to try and keep our youngsters on the correct path as they journey through life.. well done Lorna keep pushing through. You are a true inspiration to all. The community is very proud of you.
Thank you Faith for your comment. It is appreciated
Thank you.
Thank you Annellie, lovely to hear from you.
Thank you Jessica, for your kind words, it is truly appreciated.
Thank you Kay, for all the mothers I would like to say be strong and stay strong with God’s help.
Thank you Vera for your good wishes for the future.
You are so deserving of this award. Knife crime affects so many people and happens every day. I think people are becoming desensitised to what is happening in our streets, especially if victims aren’t known to them.
These thing happen to “other people”, but I knew Jamie from Homelands School. Not really well but he was always so positive and such a lovely guy. Not surprising that he wanted to get involved with youth work – he would have been so inspiring and motivational.
I’m sending my love to you all. Stay strong and thank you again for all that you are doing.
Congratulations Lorna!
Jamie was one of the best friends I ever had.
He would be so proud of you.
Best wishes,
J