Hartpury University and Hartpury College will encourage staff and students to wear purple later this week (17 February) to remember Hollie Gazzard, a victim of knife crime.
The ninth anniversary of Hollie’s death, killed by her former boyfriend in 2014, also coincides with the presence of the Knife Angel in Gloucester, a 27-foot-high statue standing outside the city’s cathedral for the entire month of February to remember all those lost to knife crime.
Hartpury has supported the Hollie Gazzard Trust for a number of years and is pleased to be able to sponsor the Knife Angel event in Gloucester alongside other local organisations, including Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester City Council, NHS Gloucestershire, Stronger & Safer Gloucester, Gloucester Constabulary and Gloucester City Safe.
The Knife Angel is made from 100,000 bladed articles seized by police across the UK and weighing 3.5 tonnes. The statue originates from The British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and was created by sculptor Alfie Bradley. Its arrival in Gloucester has been supported by a series of events, workshops and other activities across the city involving people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Hollie Gazzard Trust, which aims to raise awareness around knife crime, domestic abuse and stalking, will be at Gloucester Cathedral on 17 and 18 February speaking to people about these issues. Staff and volunteers will also give demonstrations of Hollie Guard, a free personal safety app, in the Eastgate shopping centre in Gloucester city centre.
Both days will be dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women and girls. Gloucester Cathedral will be lit up in purple lights, along with Gloucester’s King Square to commemorate the event.
Nick Gazzard, Hollie’s father and Chief Executive of the Hollie Gazzard Trust said: “The Knife Angel coming to Gloucester is a great way to raise awareness of how devastating knife crime can be. There have been too many incidents over the years.
“Our dates to be at the sculpture coincide with the nine-year anniversary of Hollie’s death, so it’ll be an emotional occasion, and myself and all at the charity would love to see many people there over the course of the two days. The Cathedral, the Quays and King’s Square have pulled out the stops to paint the city purple so we’re very grateful for that.”
Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO of Hartpury, said: “The Knife Angel tour is raising important awareness about the impact of knife crime on families in Gloucester and across the UK, including Hollie Gazzard’s. This sculpture is a poignant reminder of the importance of combatting knife crime in society and we’re grateful to be able to join forces with fellow organisations to support the initiative.
“I know Hollie will be on the minds of our staff and students when we wear purple in her memory later this month.”
The Knife Angel remains open to the public. There will be a special closing event on Sunday 27 February 2023 with a service and vigil open to everyone and led by community organisations.
