A community in south London gathered in memory of a beloved 15-year-old girl who was fatally stabbed while on her way to school. The victim, Elianne Andam, was mourned by thousands of people at a vigil held one week after her tragic death. The girl’s family requested that attendees wear white and light candles to represent Eliane being the “light of their lives”. Dorcas Andam, Elianne’s mother, paid tribute to her daughter, describing her as “smart, charismatic” and an “amazing, beautiful, girl”, who brought joy to the lives of those around her.
The event gathered people from various walks of life, including the rapper Stormzy who stood silently alongside Elianne’s family. During the vigil, speeches were given about knife crime, with the hope that the tragic incident is not repeated. The Bishop of Croydon, Marlene Rosemarie Mallett, addressed the attendees and acknowledged the impact of Elianne’s tragic death on the local community.
The vigil provided a moment of remembrance and reflection for both Eliane’s family and the community at large. The loss of the young girl highlights the continued issue of knife crime in London, with sixteen teenagers from the city losing their lives so far this year. Organisers called for cooperation from parents in discouraging violent acts and finding appropriate support for young people.
The tragic loss of Elianne Andam underscores the urgent need for action to combat knife crime in London and the devastating impact that it has on young people and their communities. The event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of community support and action to prevent such tragic events from recurring
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