PARENTS and carers at Hailsham Academy are being encouraged to attend a powerful and emotive talk by Martin Cosser, founder of the anti-knife crime charity Charlie’s Promise.
The free event will take place at the Academy on Monday, January 12 and aims to help parents better understand the realities and risks of knife crime facing young people today.
Martin Cosser is the father of Charlie Cosser, a 17-year-old from Milford in Surrey who was fatally stabbed at a party in West Sussex in July 2023. Charlie was stabbed three times in the chest and died two days later in hospital. His family said at the time: “Our lives have been destroyed by the tragic and unnecessary loss of our son.”
Following the devastating loss, Martin made a promise to his son as he lay on his deathbed – to dedicate his life to warning others about the consequences of carrying knives. From that promise, Charlie’s Promise was born.
Since then, Martin has travelled the country speaking to schools, youth groups and community organisations, sharing his family’s story and encouraging young people to make safer choices. His campaigning has reached millions online, helping to drive a national conversation about knife crime and its impact far beyond major cities.
Martin has already spoken to young people at Hailsham Academy, Hailsham Boxing Club and Eastbourne Air Cadets, and has urged audiences to report anyone carrying a knife anonymously through Crimestoppers’ Fearless campaign.
Speaking previously, Martin said: “Knife crime isn’t just something that happens in cities or gangs. If it can happen to Charlie, it can happen to anyone. Through Charlie’s Promise, we’re turning the worst possible moment in our lives into something positive and giving Charlie the legacy he deserves.”
A Hailsham Academy spokesperson said: “Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from Martin’s visit last year, we are pleased to offer parents the opportunity to hear his powerful Charlie’s Promise presentation for themselves.”
Tickets for the event are free, but parents are encouraged to book in advance due to expected demand.
