The friends and family of 17-year-old David Paine, tragically stabbed to death in 2006, are to hold a charity night to mark the 10th anniversary of his passing.
The former Barnwell School pupil and keen mountain biker died in January 2006 after being stabbed at a party by friend Christopher Ball – then 18 – after the two had a disagreement.
David’s good friend Louise Sayers, with backing from his family, has organised a charity night to raise cash for Youth At Risk – a Royston charity which helps support youngsters through difficult times
It will take place on Friday, March 25, the day after what would have been David’s 28th birthday.
David’s sister Jemima Paine says friends and businesses in the Shephall area where the family live have been hugely supportive so far, sending their good wishes and donating prizes for the raffle.
She said: “Louise was really close to David and every year she always does something to mark the anniversary of his death.
“We wanted to do something to support youngsters who are the same age as David was then.
“It’s amazing the amount of people who are going to attend and the amount people still think of David.
“It is heartwarming and overwhelming.”
David’s father Paul Paine and mum Jackie Didd are also supporting the event, while siblings Ben Horseman and Nathaniel Paine will be getting up on stage to auction themselves off on a ‘fake date’.
Jemima added: “The way society is going, teenagers need help right from the get-go to turn them into good citizens.
“If that kind of support had been around when David was with us then perhaps it might not have happened.
“I think he would be really proud of us organising this and will be very happy looking down on us, hopefully riding his bike in the sky.”
Of Christopher Ball, Jemima said: “I just hope he makes something of his life when he gets out and becomes a gentleman.
“He still has time to raise a family and do something good with his life.
“He has a second chance that David never had and I hope he makes the most of it.”
Louise added: “We want to raise money for something positive.”
The event will take place at Shephall Community Centre from 7.30pm.
Donations for raffle prizes are welcome by calling Jemima on 07847 095375.
For information search for ‘David Paine memorial’ on Facebook.
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