'We want to keep Leo's memory alive'

A family fun day has been held to keep alive the memory of a 12-year-old boy who was stabbed to death on his way home from school.

Leo Ross died from a wound to the stomach on a riverside path in the Shire Country Park in Hall Green, Birmingham, on 21 January.

Leo's Legacy Foundation Family Fun Day was held at Highfield Hall on Sunday, more than six months on from the tragedy.

Ish Shah, who was a member of Leo's former foster family and helped to set up the Leo's Legacy Foundation, said: "We've started this in memory of Leo and to keep Leo's memory alive."

Mr Shah said setting up the charity had not only helped him after his loss but could also inform others about the impact of knife crime.

"It's to get other young people to think about Leo and think about the impact it has on young people, the victims themselves as well as the perpetrators and their families," he said.

He added: "We can't stop people from leaving their homes with knives, but if we can get them to think twice before they do, I think that's going to be a big achievement."

Family friend Syd Femtinos was at the fun day with her pet bird called Baby, which is a type of parrot called a conure that Leo used to play with.

She said: "My bird doesn't go to kids usually, and when they first met, he just flew over to Leo. He spent the whole afternoon with him."

Ms Femtinos said: "That just goes to show the nature that Leo had."

The event included crafts, food and drink traders, and entertainment, including face painting, DJs and alpacas.

Funds raised will go to the charity.

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