Anthony Walker Foundation launched

Just over a year ago 18 year-old student Anthony Walker was killed in a brutal racist attack near his home in Huyton, Liverpool.

Last December, two men aged 20 and 17 were jailed for life for the premeditated attack.

Anthony was waiting at a bus stop with his girlfriend and cousin when he suffered a torrent of racist abuse from two men. They left to find a different bus stop but were ambushed soon after. Anthony was struck in the head with an ice axe, suffering injuries from which he died hours later.

Anthony was an A-Level student who wanted to study to be a lawyer. He was also a keen bastketball player and popular at college. His death provoked widespread shock, tragically highlighting the reality of racism in its harshest form. Tragically, young people and students are all too often the victims – and sadly also the perpetrators – of such crimes.

Anthony’s family and friends were moved by his murder to speak out against racism and fascism, addressing thousands of people at vigils, rallies and conferences. October will see the launch of the Anthony Walker Foundation, with the aim of bringing young people together to raise awareness about racism and promote understanding.

A successful festival held this summer in Liverpool, featuring sport, music and educational events will now be held each year.

• Support the work of the Foundation – visit the website www.theanthonywalkerfoundation.com