THE FATHER of Olly Stephens has paid tribute to a number of people in the local community who have supported his family in the wake of his son’s tragic death.

At a memorial service marking one year since the 13-year-old’s death, Stuart Stephens also gave a special mention to the local groups and leaders who are working with youngsters to prevent tragedies such as Olly’s from happening again.

In his speech at the service, he said: “From the moment Olly was so cruelly and viciously taken from us we were surrounded by our family, our friends, our neighbours, and our community.

“We have had total strangers to us conveying the most generous acts of kindness. Jodie and her daughter regularly visiting and laying flowers at Olly’s tree.

“Theresa writing and posting poems of love, warmth, and kindness to our son. Billy with his GoFundMe page and all those that were moved to donate and send messages of support.

“Nikki and her choir for holding a carol concert to remember Olly and raise money for his bench and the Muslim community of Reading for their generous gift of a food hamper, just to mention a few.”

READ MORE: Family of Olly Stephens praises 'power' of community as dozens remember teen

Dozens of well-wishers turned up at St Barnabas church in Emmer Green to remember Olly, who died after being stabbed by a 14-year-old boy in January 2021.

The 14-year-old and another boy, also 14, were convicted of murder following a trial in June and July 2021.

A girl, 14, admitted to manslaughter and recently had her prison sentence increased to five years.

Commenting on the people he has met since Olly’s death who aim to help local youngsters and tackle knife crime, Stuart said: “We have made some new friends along the way. The following are respected examples of the dedicated people that work tirelessly to help their communities to improve and come together.

“Mac Ferrari-Guy and the Bikestormz collective along with the support of all the young riders.

“Kelvin Husband with the hard work he has put into his Grassrootz youth support club. Moses Heidenbleuth and his Give Back TV and football teams.

“Parenting Special Children for all the support they provide children and parents in our situation.

“The Street Pastors that patrol and help the vulnerable late at night.

READ MORE: Teen girl who lured Olly Stephens to his death has prison sentence extended

“Odane Cross for putting himself in harm’s way to remove knives from our streets.

“Our local Church, especially Martyn Strong and David Howell, that have been so supportive and enabled us to make today possible.

“Keith Seville and all at the Apollo club that are working hard to make a difference in children’s lives and Katy Trigg for her tireless campaigning, along with Jo McKnight for her continued support.

“People that you don’t know are there until you need them, people that work relentlessly within their communities, for the improvement of their communities.

“This is but a small selection of people that give up their time and energy to help others.

“There is no one solution to curing the problems within our society and the dangers our children face but these individuals prove that by taking on a single issue and working hard at it, by working with our youth and local community groups, slowly, change can occur.

“Our deepest gratitude must also go to Cherie Potter and The Flower Shop, Lisa, Andy & Doug from Miles and Daughter along with Trudi Yeatman our Celebrant who all made Olly’s funeral as personal and as special as it could possibly have been.

“Thanks to Emmer Green Primary School for their kindness and their donators for the installation of “Olly’s bench” along with Highdown School for the counselling offered to those affected by Olly’s murder.

READ MORE: Murdered teen's parents speak out against knife crime

“Thanks also to Sara Webb and the Wooden Spoon Charity for Olly’s Veterans tournament and Cup and London Irish for their halftime tribute to Olly on his birthday weekend.

“Thanks to Matt Rodda, Bishop Olivia Graham, Reverend Mike Smith and the Church for their continued and uplifting support.

“To the neighbours and friends that kept us, and the Forensic and Police teams supplied with warm meals and hot drinks during that first harrowing week and beyond.

“And lastly, we would like to thank all of Olly’s friends along with everybody else that have sent words of kindness and compassion to us and our family along the way.

“In our hour of darkness, all of these people pulled together to help us. This is the power of your community; reach out, they have your backs.”

The memorial service was held on Monday, January 3.