Anti-knives message to be rolled out to all Renfrewshire high schools

Jan 18 2011 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

THOUSANDS of schoolkids will hear all about the Paisley Daily Express Stop Knives, Save Lives campaign in a bid to make sure they never carry a blade.

Politician Trish Godman, who helped set up and launch the Paisley Daily Express campaign, has revealed that the project is to be highlighted in ALL Renfrewshire schools.

Thousands of pupils will hear of how soldier Paul McGee was brutally knifed to death just yards from his front door while on leave from the Scots Guards.

And it’s hoped that the graphic details of his slaying will deter pupils from ever carrying a knife.

We started the campaign with Trish and Paul’s sister, Kelly, after the tragic 28-year-old was killed by evil Barry McGrory.

And now Trish Godman, and fellow knife campaigner John Muir, will deliver a hard-hitting talk to the students about the dangers of carrying a blade.

The move came after West Renfrewshire MSP Trish teamed up with Mr Muir to visit Gryffe High School last month in a bid to enlighten pupils on the perils of lethal blades.

The pilot visit proved so successful that council bosses have now decided to ‘embed’ the subject in their highly successful Physical and Social Education programme.

Ms Godman had initially lobbied the council’s Education Department in the hope that they would include anti-knife crime talks in Renfrewshire schools.

But while the talks won’t be mandatory, the education department has written to each secondary school to inform them of the initiative.

The MSP said: “I am delighted that all high schools will have the opportunity to hold their own anti-knife crime talks with John (Muir).

“The success of our previous visit to Gryffe High has obviously shown the council how worthwhile this experience can be for pupils.

“John delivers a personal and hard-hitting message that acts as a powerful warning to youngsters about the dangers of carrying a knife.

“Taking that message into the classroom is the next step in our ongoing battle against the blades.”

After the landmark visit to Gryffe, Ms Godman wrote to the Director of Education at Renfrewshire Council asking for him to consider implementing similar anti-knife crime talks across Renfrewshire.

The hard-working MSP explained why she did this.

She said: “I could see that the pupils at Gryffe were really struck by John’s tragic personal experiences.

“Something as personal as this can often act as the ultimate warning.

“Campaigners like John and Kelly McGee have such an important message to pass on to young people that I thought all Renfrewshire pupils should be given the chance to hear what they have to say.

“Education plays a vital role in challenging the perception of violence and weapons.

“By engaging local pupils in this way we can better tackle the blade culture on Renfrewshire’s streets.

“I know that young people want to see an end to the violence as much as adults do.”

John Muir lost his 34-year-old son Damian to our growing blade culture in his home town of Greenock, while Paul McGee was just 28 when he was knifed to death.

Evil McGrory was later convicted of killing the decorated Scots Guard and was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison.

You can play your part in Stop Knives, Save Lives by signing our anti-knives petition at our office at 14 New Street, Paisley. You can also pick up a free car sticker.