Defoe – Two hours to say goodbye

Following the violent death of his brother, England footballer Jermain Defoe talked exclusively to FLYER News at the launch of ‘Reclaim our Children’ an initiative by Kids Taskforce.

“I was aware that my brother had been involved in an altercation the previous day but I didn’t think anything of it at the time.” said Jermain Defoe speaking exclusively to FLYER News.

“The next day I turned up to training as usual but I had a feeling that something wasn’t right.

Whilst training I noticed a security officer talking to my coach. This was unusual as security never come pitch-side and I knew that something quite serious must have happened. My coach beckoned me over and said ‘your mother is in the car-park, she needs to speak to you urgently, I went numb.

 I met my mother in the car-park, she looked at me and said; ‘your brother’s in hospital he has two hours to live.’

Can you imagine how that felt?” said Jermain trying to suppress his emotions.

Jermain Defoe arrived at the hospital, accompanied by his mother and witnessed the passing of his brother who died of complications resulting from a severe head injury.

According to police reports Jade, Jermain’s brother had been involved in an altercation the previous day. The alleged killer had sought revenge and attacked him the following day.

In memory of all the victims of violent crime the parents of Jimmy Mizen, Barry and Margaret Mizen (pictured) have launched an initiative to help combat violence.

 “Tougher sentences are not the solution we need to stop stigmatising young people and listen to them.” She exclaimed.

Watch Over Me has been made in memory of Jimmy Mizen, a teenager from South London who was killed in an unprovoked attack in a bakery near his home. The trial of his killer and his parents’ experience of the British Justice System is one of the stories.

For more information about this film please contact: Claire.britcher@kidstaskforce.com