Dad of shooting victim Elle Edwards joins walk for Weapons Down Gloves Up

The dad of Christmas Eve shooting victim Elle Edwards has joined Liverpool actor John May on his walk to support an anti-weapons campaign.

Tim Edwards is helping to raise awareness in her memory for Weapons Down Gloves Up which steers young people away from gun and knife crime by getting them into gyms and giving them life skills.

Beautician Elle was celebrating with friends when she was shot outside the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve. The 26-year-old died in hospital as a result of her injuries.

Now her dad has teamed up with John May who’s hiking from Land’s End to John O’Groats to highlight the work of Weapons Down Gloves Up whose ambassadors include fighters Tony Bellew and Molly McCann.

They are encouraging people to go with them on the Liverpool leg of their journey and come together in calling for an end to violent crime on the streets.

They’re asking supporters to meet up outside the Britannia Pub at Otterspool on Friday March 10 at 4pm and walk the 2.8miles in to the Pier Head or join them for a homecoming in front of the Three Graces at around 5pm. 

The pair first got talking on social media before John set off on his 1000-mile-plus trek from Cornwall to Scotland for Weapons Down Gloves Up back in January.

Tim said: “Obviously because of what happened with Elle I noticed the charity, I spoke to them, and then I saw that John was starting his walk. It’s a really good cause and it’s relevant to me, and to everyone else, so I that’s why I wanted to get involved.

“We met up in Worcester eight days ago and got on so I’ve stayed with him and it’s just really helped me because we’ve had a laugh and I haven’t laughed for months.

“At home, even if I go out for a couple of pints, it’s just everywhere I go. People have good intentions but it’s a lot to deal with so this walk has given me a chance to get away from everything, to clear my head and get through tough times.”

Tim says doing the walk with John is a particularly apt way to remember his daughter because they would often go climbing together.

“I’d normally be up a mountain somewhere and Elle used to come with me. I used to drag her up there with me, but she loved it and it was our thing. 

“It is fitting that I’m doing this now and it’s to keep her memory alive. Gun crime and knife crime has got to stop, we’re not going to save the world by walking across the country but if it brings attention to what’s happening and makes people think twice and passes a message on to kids then that’s what it’s about.”

John says the two have got on like a house on fire since they first met in Worcester. “He got in touch with me and said, well done on the walk, we got chatting and we’ve become friends. He said he was going to join me at some point for a couple of days, he came to Worcester for a night and that was a week and a half ago.

“At this rate I can see him coming to Scotland with me because we’re having a ball!”

John has been staying in a mix of camper van, bed and breakfasts and wild camping since he set off and admits it’s been a challenge, as much mentally as physically. He’s aiming to reach John O’Groats and finish around April 20.

“Physically it’s had its moments, and mentally there have probably been four occasions up to now where I’ve thought, can I do this? But I’ve found a way and as long as I have that attitude I’m sure I’ll make it.

“There are certain things I’ve got in my mind that I want to fulfil on this walk so hopefully I’ll have achieved those by the end,” he adds. “It’s been an amazing experience and I do think I’ll miss it. Once this one’s done I’ll definitely be looking for the next challenge because it’s just a brilliant way of life.”

To support John’s Land’s End to John O’Groats walk, raising money for WDGU, go to the website HERE.