The Estate We're In: Brixton mum awarded for Angell Town boxing club

Lorraine Jones and Richard Davis with Police Sergeant Graham Norman
Glenn Copus

An inspirational mother who started a boxing club to help youths on Brixton’s Angell Town estate has been awarded a police commendation.

Lorraine Jones set up Dwaynamics in honour of her son Dwayne Simpson, who was stabbed to death in 2014. The project was funded by the Standard’s campaign The Estate We’re In.

At New Scotland Yard yesterday, Ms Jones and the club’s co-director and head coach, Richard Davis, were presented with the award by Lambeth borough commander Richard Wood.

He praised them for their courageous role in building relations between the community and the police, saying: “A commendation is the highest honour I can give and Lorraine Jones and Richard Davis are worthy recipients.

“They have worked alongside local police to offer the young people of Angell Town as many life opportunities as possible. It has cemented community relations with local police in Brixton.

"This award is a recognition of the hard work, commitment and dedication they have shown.”

Ms Jones lost her son when he tried to save a friend from being knifed and was himself fatally stabbed.

She said the commendation made her feel “proud and emotional”.

She added: “I feel privileged to have set up such a positive forum for interaction between our youth and the police who now train together on a weekly basis.

“My confidence in the police has risen since the death of my son left me shattered, and this initiative has empowered me to turn my pain into a power to divert vulnerable young people onto a positive path.

"The wind of positive change is blowing through Angell Town and I am glad to be part of it.”

Ms Jones recently went to Downing Street to receive a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister for her outstanding work as a volunteer.

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