Ramarni Crosby: Uncle of murdered teen completes running challenge

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Charity race in memory of Ramarni Crosby
Image caption,

Almost 1,000 people ran in the final event

The uncle of a teenager who was fatally stabbed has completed a charity running challenge.

Danny Davis, from Gloucester, said his family was "torn to pieces" after finding out his 16-year-old nephew, Ramarni Crosby, died on 15 December.

Mr Davis ran 5km (3.1m) every night in January in his memory and on the last day was joined by nearly 1,000 runners.

He said he could "finally smile" knowing the city wanted to support the family and the cause.

A two-minute silence was held at the start of the race in memory of the teenager.

Family and friends of other victims then took part in the final run, helping to raise £13,722.

Image caption,

Mr Davis said he didn't expect so many people to turn up

Ramarni's Uncle Danny Davis said he was overwhelmed by the amount of people who came out to support the event.

"I didn't expect this many people to come here," he said.

"It just goes to show the whole city are behind what we're doing in raising awareness of knife crime and educating these young kids about the potential consequences of using a knife.

"I think we've got our message out there. The whole city has supported us as a family

"I've finally got a smile on my face and this is the reason why because everyone turned up to support us."

Image source, Danny Davis
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Mr Davis said his 18-month-old son inspires him to try to help provide community resources for kids now and in the future

Ramarni's mum Zoe Davis said it was "amazing" to see the city come out for the run.

"I'm choked. I'm lost for words," she said.

Image source, Danny Davis
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Mr Davis (second from left) in a family photo with his nephew Ramarni (far right)

Family friend Mike Hagan also took part in the race and said it has been "absolutely emotional".

"At the end running in with Danny - that meant a lot to me," he said.

"We started this off together in my front room, we had a plan and this has just exceeded it.

"[It was] Absolutely unbelievable. The whole city has come together."

Image source, Family handout
Image caption,

Ramarni Crosby was stabbed in Stratton Road in Gloucester

Karen Charlton said her granddaughter, who was Ramarni's girlfriend, had been struggling since his death.

"She has been lifted from the depths of despair to feeling the love of of all of these people," she said.

All funds raised will go to Increase The Peace, a charity that supports vulnerable and disaffected young people in Gloucester and other knife crime charities.