Hundreds join Wirral shooting victim Elle Edward's father for walk against gun crime

  • Granada Reports journalist Claire Hannah spoke to Tim Edwards and John May before the walk

Hundreds joined the father of shooting victim Elle Edwards to walk into Liverpool as part of a campaign to end gun and knife crime.

Tim Edwards, whose 26-year-old daughter was shot outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral, on Christmas Eve, said it was "crazy" to see the number of people who joined him and comedian John May as they walked from Otterspool to Liverpool's Pier Head on Friday.

Mr Edwards joined Mr May on a walk from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise awareness of the Weapons Down Gloves Up scheme - a boxing initiative aimed at taking young people off the streets and into employment.

Elle Edwards dad says charity walk is 'therapy' for his loss
Elle Edwards, 26, died after being shot while celebrating Christmas with friends and relatives

On Friday, the pair were joined by boxer Tony Bellew, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and former Liverpool FC player Chris Kirkland as they arrived in the city.

More than 200 people walked along with them, some wearing T-shirts with Ms Edwards' photo on them.

The project getting young people to put weapons down and boxing gloves up
Boxer Tony Bellew, left, and promoter Eddie Hearne joined the walk Credit: PA

Mr Edwards said: "It's crazy. We were expecting about 100 people and I think there's a couple more than that.

"We just have no comprehension of how many people have turned up but thanks to every single one and especially the kids who've come along because this is what it's about, it's about them.

"If we can pass that message on to these kids then this city has done its job."

Asked how he felt when he saw the Liver Birds, Mr Edwards said: "Very emotional, I'm about to fill up now to be honest."

Tim Edwards and John May arrived at the Liver Building bringing a big crowd with them Credit: PA

Mr May, 41, began his walk on 27 January and was joined by Mr Edwards in Worcester after they started speaking online.

The pair are now due to continue on to John O'Groats together.

Mr May said: "I decided to do it because I just think it's important.

"Some of the kids in this city need educating and pointing in the right direction.

"I think a lot don't know their self-worth."

He said it was "overwhelming" to see all the people who had turned out to join them.

Speaking to ITV News, Mr Edwards said he was doing the walk in memory of Elle, who is not believed to have been the intended target of the shooting which killed her.

He said: "I'm doing this in Elle's name, to keep her name alive, and to raise awareness of Weapons Down Gloves Up."

He added: "It's been a therapy for me, it's done me the world of good.

"I didn't know how it was going to go but it's working, it's doing me the world of good."

Connor Chapman, 22, has been charged with murdering Ms Edwards and is due to go on trial on 7 June.

Thomas Waring, 20, has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and assisting an offender in connection with the incident.

John and Tim's Route from Liverpool:

  • Week 6: Liverpool

  • Week 7: Settle

  • Week 8: Hadrian’s Wall

  • Week 9: Edinburgh

  • Week 10: Loch Lomond

  • Week 11: Fort William

  • Week 12: Lochness

  • Week 13: Glen Morangie

  • Week 14: John O’Groats

Why are guns and gangs such a big problem on Merseyside? And what's being done to stop young people getting involved in organised crime?

We take a look in our podcast, From the North