A Woolton mother whose teenage son was fatally stabbed is appealing to the people of Liverpool for help after the city council withdrew funding for her annual remembrance event. Mandy Jamieson, 55, lost her son Daniel Gee-Jamieson in July 2018 when he was stabbed in the leg during a pre-arranged fight at a park off Belle Vale Road in Gateacre. Daniel, who was unarmed, died from his injuries. Owen Cousins was later convicted of manslaughter, claiming self-defence, but witnesses said they did not see Daniel with a weapon.
Danny's Place Charity
In memory of her son, Mandy founded the charity Danny's Place. Since 2021, it has organised a free annual remembrance event at St George's Hall for victims of serious violence, drawing hundreds of attendees from across the region. However, the council recently informed her it could no longer host the event at a council building due to a lack of funding.
Council's Decision
A council spokesperson confirmed to the ECHO that they will not provide a venue this year but pledged to help find an alternative. Mandy expressed her disappointment: "I received an email from Liverpool City Council to tell me that unfortunately this year, they haven't got the funding to pay for premises. To be honest, it really upset me."
Appeal for Help
Mandy is determined to keep the event free: "I have never, ever charged for the work that I do. I don't believe that my son should be made into a business." She is now seeking a central location for 150 to 200 people on September 25, National Murder Day, for a two-hour event. "I hope Liverpool can help because they help everyone else in need," she said.
The council stated: "We have been proud to support the Serious Violence Remembrance event for the last five years. We are reviewing the work to remember victims of serious violence. Although we can't offer one of our own buildings, we have pledged to work with Mandy and Danny's Place to help them find an alternative venue."
