BRENTWOOD, August 22, 2008 -- Ford is supporting three young men from S.T.A.R (Steps To Atonement and Redemption) on a 131-mile walk from London to Birmingham to raise funds for two charities and a voluntary group committed to making positive changes in communities most affected by gun and knife crime.
The three walkers (Kio McKnight, 16, GCSE student; Mathieu Milbourne, 23, University student; and Shani Cadette, 34, an IT Business Analyst) set off from London on Tuesday 26th August, at 08.00 (the square next to Archway Station, London N19 3TD) and expect to arrive in Birmingham on Friday 29th August 2008, at 17.00, (outside Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, B3 2QB). They have not been directly affected by gun and knife crime, but they strongly support an end to all violent street crime through peaceful means.
The charities concerned are; Boyhood to Manhood Foundation and Yaa Asantewaa Nanny Project and the voluntary group is 100 Mothers Movement
As part of the support Ford is providing three vehicles to accompany the walkers- two Ford Kuga crossover vehicles and one Ford S-MAX mpv.
Support from Ford is being led by an employee resource group, Ford Employees of African Ancestry Network (FAAN) Europe led by Neil Samuels, Ford Land manager. He commented: "FAAN Europe believes this is an ideal way for communities to unite in dedication and commitment to tackle the problem of anti social behaviour, and in particular gun and knife crime".
It is hoped that this collaborative effort involving FAAN Europe and the three walkers representing a cross section of society will help generate workable solutions and realistic actions.
Commenting on the S.T.A.R campaign, Bob Blenkinsop, Ford of Britain's executive director of human resources said: "Our support acknowledges that global organisations such as Ford Motor Company have a role to play in the community, and that all sectors of the community should play an active role in society."
Editors note:
Tuesday 26th August 2008, 7.15am the square next to Archway Station, London N19 3TD. Join us for a send-off and press conference. The walkers will be setting off at 8am promptly. Confirmed attendance to date are the Mayor of Islington and Mayor of Camden, families of victims, sponsors of STAR including Ford Motor Company, celebrities, members of the general public and the walkers and STAR team.
Friday 29th August 2008, at 5pm, outside Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, B3 2QB Join us to welcome the walkers as they arrive at Birmingham and at 6pm, Press Conference and Reception at the Jurys Inn Hotel, 245 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HQ.
The Route:
The walk will commence on Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 8.00am at Archway Station
End of 1st day the walkers will arrive in Dunstable. Total of 35 miles completed
End of 2nd day the walkers will arrive in Wellingborough. Total of 66 miles completed
End of 3rd day the walkers will arrive in Rugby. Total of 103 miles completed
End of 4th day the walkers will complete their journey at Birmingham Cathedral. Total distance 131 miles.
Please let us know which of the locations (London/ Birmingham) you plan on attending by phoning or emailing any of the contacts below.