An Ipswich man, who has launched an awareness campaign after his brother was murdered in the town last year, says he is “amazed” at the amount of support the initiative has received.
Paul Stansby, whose brother Dean was fatally wounded near the railway station, was speaking as a foundation set up in his brother’s memory was poised to become a registered charity.
His latest fundraising event - a clairvoyant evening - was held on Saturday and saw more than 100 people turn out in support.
It was hosted at the Manor Ballroom by Stephanie Carr and raised around £2,000. There are now plans for a sponsored 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge in September, which has so far attracted 17 people.
Paul, who runs Lucky 13 Tattoo Studio, in St Margaret’s Street, Ipswich, has been overwhelmed by the support for the campaign.
“We are not going to change the world but we can try and make a difference,” he said.
“I’m looking at trying to get into schools to show youngsters that there’s more to life. I come from a tough and troubled background and if I can make it out of the gutter then I can try and help other people.”
Of the clairvoyant evening, he added: “It was a sell out and the venue was given to us free of charge. Stephanie was fantastic and I’m really happy with the amount of money that we raised. Now we’re planning for the Three Peaks Challenge which starts on Ben Nevis, then onto Scafell Pike and Snowdon.”
Former Ipswich Town star and captain Carlos Edwards, who was a friend of father-of-five Dean, is the charity’s ambassador.
“This is something I really wanted to get involved with and I am trying to raise the profile of this amazing new charity,” he said.
Dean Stansby, 41, from Trimley, died after the incident in Ancaster Road, Ipswich, on February 8, 2017.
Following an investigation by Suffolk police, four men – Tecwyn Parker, Amiadul Islam, Daniel Kaganda, Jason Ruby – were charged in connection with his death and are awaiting trial at Ipswich Crown Court.
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