'Walk against gun and knife crime' gains Ford support

Ford is supporting three young men from S.T.A.R (Steps To Atonement and Redemption) on a 131-mile walk from London to Birmingham to raise funds for two charities and a voluntary group committed to making positive changes in communities most affected by gun and knife crime.

The three walkers (Kio McKnight, 16, GCSE student; Mathieu Milbourne, 23, University student; and Shani Cadette, 34, an IT Business Analyst) set off from London on Tuesday 26th August, at 08.00 (the square next to Archway Station, London N19 3TD) and expect to arrive in Birmingham on Friday 29th August 2008, at 17.00, (outside Birmingham Cathedral, Colmore Row, B3 2QB). They have not been directly affected by gun and knife crime, but they strongly support an end to all violent street crime through peaceful means.

The charities concerned are; Boyhood to Manhood Foundation and Yaa Asantewaa Nanny Project and the voluntary group is 100 Mothers Movement

As part of the support Ford is providing three vehicles to accompany the walkers- two Ford Kuga crossover vehicles and one Ford S-MAX mpv.

Support from Ford is being led by an employee resource group, Ford Employees of African Ancestry Network (FAAN) Europe led by Neil Samuels, Ford Land manager. He commented: "FAAN Europe believes this is an ideal way for communities to unite in dedication and commitment to tackle the problem of anti social behaviour, and in particular gun and knife crime".

It is hoped that this collaborative effort involving FAAN Europe and the three walkers representing a cross section of society will help generate workable solutions and realistic actions.

Commenting on the S.T.A.R campaign, Bob Blenkinsop, Ford of Britain's executive director of human resources said: "Our support acknowledges that global organisations such as Ford Motor Company have a role to play in the community, and that all sectors of the community should play an active role in society."