Dad of murdered football star ‘still feels heart sink watching news’ 20 years on – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
London – Mark Prince still carries the weight of losing his 15-year-old son Kiyan to a stabbing outside school gates in Edgware two decades ago. The former boxer and Queens Park Rangers youth academy prospect had shown exceptional promise on the pitch, yet his life ended in an instant while trying to stop a fight. Today the anniversary brings fresh reminders of how little has changed for many young people in the capital.
The Daily Toll of Fresh Tragedies
Each new report of a stabbing sends an immediate wave of recognition through Mark Prince. He puts himself in the shoes of the grieving parents and knows the long road ahead. The former OBE recipient now fields calls from families who have just lost a child to knife violence, offering whatever support he can.
Conversations often begin with silence or a simple prayer. Mark finds that his presence alone provides a connection few others can offer, because he has lived through the identical loss. He meets with affected families several times a month as knife carrying remains common among teenagers across London.
A 20-Point Plan to Give Young People Direction
Mark Prince has marked the anniversary by releasing a detailed 20-point blueprint aimed at improving opportunities for young people. The plan calls for better pay and recognition for youth workers along with stronger long-term investment in community-led initiatives. He believes many teenagers drift into county lines activity or violence simply because they lack positive focus and adult guidance.
The foundation works to amplify voices from the neighbourhoods most affected. Mark argues that sustained attention from policymakers and funders can steer young lives away from danger before it takes hold. His own experience as a parent who once watched a prodigious talent cut short drives every recommendation in the document.
New Campaign Seeks Funding for Dedicated Youth Space
The Kiyan Prince Foundation has launched The Champions’ Club to press for greater investment in youth services. A key goal is to raise £400,000 so the charity can open a permanent space in Kiyan’s memory where young people can train, learn and build confidence. Mark sees the project as both a tribute and a practical step toward reducing the conditions that lead to knife crime.
Supporters are being asked to contribute directly to the fund. The campaign highlights how early intervention through structured activities can keep teenagers engaged and safe. Mark continues to speak publicly about the need for communities to have visible, well-resourced places that belong to them.
Recent figures show the ongoing scale of the problem:
- 205 murders involving a knife or sharp instrument were recorded in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025.
- 52 victims were under the age of 25.
- 14 victims were under the age of 16.
Legacy That Reaches Beyond One Family
Strangers still approach Kiyan’s mother, Tracy Cumberbatch, to share memories of her son and remark on the bright future he seemed destined to have. Mark draws strength from these encounters while he works to prevent similar stories from unfolding. The foundation’s efforts now focus on turning individual heartbreak into collective prevention that lasts.
Mark Prince has no illusions that one campaign will end knife crime overnight. He remains committed to showing up for families and pushing for the resources that give young people alternatives. Two decades on, his determination to honour Kiyan’s memory through action continues without pause.
