Mum and daughter of murdered man skydive in his memory
THE mother and sister of murdered Josh Hanson marked what would have been his 22nd birthday with a group sky dive.
Mr Hanson, of Kingsbury, was stabbed to death at the RE Bar in Field End Road, Eastcote, during the early hours of October 11 last year.
His mother Tracey Hanson said: “Two years ago, Josh did a skydive to raise money for a girl in America who needed an operation, and he was so brave.
“It was suggested that a skydive would be a great way to celebrate his birthday this year. I was excited to feel closer to Josh through the skydive, but I was also petrified.”
Mr Hanson would have turned 22 on Saturday February 27.
Before his birthday, Ms Hanson said: “Twenty-two years ago I gave birth to the most amazing baby. I watched him grow and become a man.
“This birthday, and all those that will follow are going to be so difficult.
“It has been a tradition that for every family birthday we go for a curry, but now there will be an empty seat and that is going to be so hard.
“How does one cope when you know Josh should be 22, but he will not be there? Last year for Josh’s 21st birthday I made a special Oreo cake and he loved it. This year I have had a similar cake made with Josh’s face on it.
“It is surreal – I have never put my children’s faces on cakes because they have always been there with me.
“Every day is a living nightmare and no one deserves to go through this.
“If you hold the smallest piece of information, please make that call.
“The public have been so supportive – I have more than 26,000 followers on my justice for Josh Hanson Facebook page.”
Mr Hanson was pronounced dead at the scene of the attack, and the cause of death was given as haemorrhage, inhalation of blood and an incised wound to the neck.
Officers continue to appeal for information on the whereabouts of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the murder.
Shane O’Brien, 27, of Ladbroke Grove, is being sought by investigating officers who need to urgently speak to him.
A £10,000 reward is available for information leading to his arrest and prosecution.
Mr Hanson’s sister, Brooke, said of the skydive: “I was very nervous, but it is a privilege to skydive in my amazing brother’s memory, especially on his birthday.
“The best birthday present that anyone could give Josh would be justice, and making the call to the police telling them where Shane O’Brien is.”
DCI Noel McHugh said: “Our work to locate and arrest O’Brien, and anyone who may be assisting him, continues. We remain totally focused on the investigation and achieving justice for Tracey, Brooke and all of Josh’s family and friends. However long it takes, we are not going to give up.
“As with any investigation, the public are our eyes and ears. People will have seen and heard things about where O’Brien is. I would appeal to anyone who may be contemplating whether they should make that call to the police to do the right thing and make the call.”
Mr O’Brien is described as white, 6ft and of muscular build.
He should not be approached by members of the public.
Any sightings of him should be reported to police immediately on 999.