Family appeal for help with funeral expenses for stabbed teenager Levi Ernest Morrison passes total

By Regina Motalib and Toby Porter

The family and friends of a teenager stabbed to death near his home have raised their target amount for help in funding his funeral.

Levi Ernest Morrison, 17, died yards from his family in Sydenham Road, Sydenham, after paramedics and cops tried desperately to save his life.

Scores of bunches of flowers were placed near the scene as a shrine to the life of the 17-year-old, who was stabbed at 7.20pm on Saturday.

Candles spelling out his name were also been placed at the scene.

A GoFundMe page created by Skye Francis has raised more than £10,600 from more than 200 donors, for the cost of the teenager’s funeral – including one for £500. A fifth of the donations will go to anti-knife crime campaign Knives Not Lives.

The page says: “When they took Levi’s life they actually recorded him after in jest… We can’t believe it.”

The appeal adds: “Last Saturday, our sweet boy Levi was taken from us.

“Levi was an intelligent and loving boy. He was beautiful son, a playful brother, a loving grandson, godson and nephew, a devoted boyfriend and a loyal friend.  

“But on Saturday around 8PM he was a defenceless young boy, out with some friends only two minutes from home, who was chased by some local boys and stabbed to death. 

“How many more of our children will die innocently at the hands of knife crime? 

“Knife crime offences are the highest on record EVER. Popular culture glorifies and glamourises the violence and hardship that faces young men living in cities everyday. 

“But what most don’t know is that when these young people die they do so in pain and alone. Gasping on the pavement. Clutching for their phone. Praying someone will find them, help them, heal them.

“When they took Levi’s life they actually recorded him after in jest… We can’t believe it.

“And yet it happens everyday to so many families. So many lives lost. So many boys that will never reach 20, 30, 40 years old age. Will never have children or complete goals set, will never be able to look after their parents in old age or travel the world. 

“Currently, we are in the process of planning the funeral and wake for him. 20% of your donations will be given to livesnotknives.org, to contribute something to immediately save young people involved in knife crime.  We’re looking for support from our community.

From anyone who has lost a loved one from violence OR sickness OR anyone who lives in a busy city OR has a child OR walks home late at night. We need help to put our young boy to rest. 

“For those less fortunate who cannot share money  please share our cause and your love with us and those around you. 

“Hug your family and friends, check up on them. One small action can change the course of somebody’s life. We have to protect those we love. We have to take responsibility for our peers. Encourage empathy in those around you often.

“Words cannot describe how much Levi is loved and how much he is missed.  

“For anyone who liked or loved Levi or touched his life positively we are eternally grateful.”

To support the appeal, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2c74uj4jeo