Cramlington family honoured for fund-raising achievements following devastating tragedy

A Cramlington family has been honoured with a community award as they strive to create a positive legacy following the devastating murder of their son.

Rachel and Keith Kerry’s son Owen was stabbed to death on Christmas eve in 2016 at a Cramlington social club.

As they try to rebuild their lives, his family sought to “honour Owen’s legacy”

They’ve now raised more than £10,000 for the Northumbria Blood Bikes, volunteers who deliver urgently-needed medical supplies, such as the blood which medics used in their fight to save Owen, across the region.

They’ve also battled to encourage people to donate life-saving blood. Thanks to their ‘a pint for Owen’ initiative, hundreds of people in Cramlington have given blood, with many becoming regular donors.

Now the Kerry family have won the Champion Fundraiser category of Chronicle Champions awards, which celebrates the North East’s local heroes.

Keith commented ‘I am truly overwhelmed and we cannot thank everyone enough for their help raising money and supporting the Blood Bikes. I am so proud of the Cramlington people for supporting the scheme ‘.

While Rachel says nothing can touch her grief over Owen, she’s happy to be able to make “something positive” come from the the worst imaginable situation.

Amy Taylor from the Chronicle Champions Awards said: ‘Each entry was discussed, the judges thought it was a strong entry and that the family deserved the recognition for their work and fundraising efforts.

The award will be presented to the Kerrys at a ceremony in December.

Pictured: The Kerry family.