Richard Taylor, OBE

Damilola wanted to be a doctor. He was a leader and I have no doubt that he would have been extraordinary.

Although the pain of losing our son will never go away, we set up the Damilola Taylor Trust with the hope that his legacy would at least be one of positive change.

Damilola lost his life because of enormous problems in this society, many of which continue to be unresolved.

Now, more than ever, there is a stark need for change with a greater inter-agency, partnership and people-centred approach to help our young people face the challenges and responsibility of adulthood.  

Young people have the right to live their lives free of fear and violence, with an optimism for a future where opportunities are available.

Through the Damilola Taylor Trust, we strive to create hope and to show young people that they matter, that they can and should pursue their dreams.

Whilst we may not be able to defend the entire world as our son dreamed of doing, perhaps if we can defend the young people in our communities, our quest will be a worthy one.

We want our son’s death to mean hope, life and opportunity for Britain’s downtrodden and underprivileged youth.

Damilola had ambition, he wanted to change the world and he was a boy of hope. This is how I would like him to be remembered, as our boy of hope."

Richard Taylor OBE

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Through our projects, the Damilola Taylor Trust has helped to transform hundreds of young people’s lives.