Family of tragic knife victim in rally against blades

Sep 21 2008

HUNDREDS of anti-knife crime campaigners yesterday marched to mark the first anniversary of a teenager's murder.

Greenock and Gourock were brought to a standstill as hundreds of people marched in memory of Darren Pyper.

The 14-year-old was stabbed during a row with a neighbour while watching a Champions League game in Gourock last year.

He died after a stab wound to his leg severed a main artery.

William Brown, 64, was charged with the boy's murder but died in prison before the case was heard.

Mum Margo, 36, visited a memorial plaque to Darren with his brother Ryan, four. She vowed to keep campaigning to prevent more tragedies.

She said: "We don't want any more families to go through what we are going through."

The rally was held at the same time as two marches in London to raise awareness of knife crime.

They were attended by the families of Damilola Taylor, killed in 2000, and Ben Kinsella, who was killed this year.