Pledge by victim’s grieving family
VOW TO TACKLE KNIFE CRIME IN MEMORY OF TASHAN DANIEL
THE family of Tashan Daniel - who was stabbed to death at Hillingdon Underground station - are raising money so they can “tackle knife crime in number of ways”.
The 20-year-old was allegedly set upon by two men on the platform at the West London station at 4pm on Tuesday, September 24.
Tashan, who was headed to Emirates Stadium to watch his beloved Arsenal play Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, was with a friend when his killers launched an “unprovoked attack”, British Transport Police said.
Nearly two weeks after his death, Tashan’s family have set up a gofundme page in the hope of raising £50,000 which will fund projects tackling knife crime across London.
The page reads: “On September 24, 2019 our family’s world was turned upside down. Tashan Daniel was on his way to an Arsenal game when he and a friend were subject to an unprovoked attack in the middle of the day on Hillingdon station platform.
“It took seconds for a stranger to take away a life filled with so much love and promise. As a family we are aiming to tackle knife crime in a number of ways, our full mission can be found on Tashan’s website www.tashandaniel. co.uk.
“The main reason we are raising money is to bring two of Tashan’s loves to other people. Athletics and family. We believe that the best way to prevent knife crime is to tackle the social issues that might eventually lead someone to pick up a knife.”
So far, the page has raised more than £3,500.
As well as being a photographer, Tashan was a full-time athlete and ran with Hillingdon Athletic Club.
His family hope athletics can help tackle the knife crime epidemic.
“Tashan was a sprinter but athletics covers disciplines suitable for all shapes and sizes,” the page says.
“Our long term aim is to work with role model trainers to bring athletics clubs to schools and youth groups across London, attended by both parents and children.
“The family is also aiming to raise the profile of knife crime and push the government on making real changes to policy. The statistics this year alone tell a horrific story, one that is all too often pushed to the edge of the news. Some of the money raised will go towards events and advertising to help in this endeavour.”
Arsenal ‘shocked and saddened’ over death of Tashan Daniel
Since Tashan’s death, many heartbreaking tributes have been paid to the well-liked young man.
Reverend Reg Craig, the minister at Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, led a vigil held outside Hillingdon station on Thursday, September 26, where Tashan’s family and friends shared incredible stories and memories of the young man, who was said to have a “bright future”.
Among those to speak was Tashan’s dad, Chandima Daniel.
“We are still in a state of shock about what happened,” he told the hundreds who attended.
“It’s a rollercoaster of emotions hearing wonderful things about my son.
“I knew he was a great, great person, but on a daily basis I am hearing amazing things about him that make me so proud.”
Alex Lanning, 21, of Cowdray Road in Uxbridge and Jonathan Camille, 19, of Fulham Road in Kensington have both been charged with murder.
The pair will appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 7.
An 18-year-old woman from West Drayton, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under police investigation.
You can donate at gofundme.