01 August 2023 , 19:22
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The cousin of tragic schoolgirl Ava White, who was stabbed to death by a youth, refuses to eat with a knife because of the trauma of losing her.
Blake White, seven, has experienced significant grief since his beloved cousin's murder in Liverpool city centre in November 2021. The youngster has had counselling to help grieve and now won't eat in school with a knife. Nevertheless, Blake is determined to do all he can to raise funds in Ava's memory. He will cut his hair next week for the very first time, donating money to the Little Princess Trust.
The youngster was knifed in the neck following a petty argument (PA)
Ava White was fatally stabbed in Liverpool city centre (Liverpool Echo)His proud mum Erica told Liverpool Echo: "They were very close. All the kids in the family are suffering but it has had a huge impact on Blake, in school and day-to-day life. He's had to have counselling and he won't eat in school with a knife. I don't want him to cut his hair but I can't say no. It was all Blake's idea. He turned around to me one day and asked if I wanted to raise money for Ava's charity. I said yes what have you got in mind and he said he would get his hair cut off and give it to the kids that need it. He's never had it cut but he turns eight on August 9 so we are going to arrange something for August 8."
Ava was 12 when she was killed by a boy just two years older than her after an argument over a video posted on Snapchat. Her mum Leeann received a devastating phone call that her young daughter had been stabbed during a trip to see the city's Christmas lights. Her teenage killer was found guilty of the murder in May last year after a jury brought its unanimous verdict in less than three hours at Liverpool Crown Court.
The tragedy happened when Ava was out with friends to see Liverpool's Christmas lights (Liverpool Echo)During the trial, the court was told how the youth pulled out a flick knife and stabbed Ava in the neck, before smirking as he ran away. He then began a "cover-up" by discarding the weapon, as well as his designer coat and mobile phone. Now the Ava White Foundation has been created in the hopes of making a change in the young girl's memory. Blake's funds raised will be donated to the charity. Anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking here. It was previously reported how Ava's mum Leeann said carrying a knife has become an "accessory" for young children and she backs a petition for maximum sentences for those who carry a weapon. That petition can be found here.
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