On 16 April 2011 James Cooper, 25, and James Kouzaris, 24, were tragically shot dead in Sarasota, Florida.
In their short lives, both James and James developed into wonderful, commendable young men with a zest for life and a love and respect for the world and humanity.
The projects we are funding include initiatives to encourage young people who are outside full time education and employment to re-engage with the education system or support them as they take their first steps into employment.
Working closely with the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, the money we raise funds projects that work with young people and support the victims of violent crime.
People always think they are safe; we live in a safe neighbourhood, we don’t mix with the wrong crowds – but sometimes people find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time...
Sometimes it is not us in trouble but loved ones. Always A Chance aims to prevent violent crime by funding projects working with young people who are outside full time education and employment. The aim of these initiatives will be to encourage them to re-enter the education system or support them as they take their first steps into employment.
Running alongide this is the help we are giving to victim support organisations. We want to help these victims and their families overcome the emotional impact of a violent attack or the sudden death of a loved one.
Their murder made headlines around the world, but behind every headline the impact of such a tragedy echos through families and friends.
"There's scraps of paper lying on the grass filled with anecdotes and stories. Condensing every tale, joke and quote into one page is impossible. Even with ten of your closest friends trying.
So many people were lucky enough to call you a friend and we feel blessed to have known you both. We have a friendship group stronger and funnier than any other. You were, and still are, integral to that. We promise your deaths will not be in vain. We are going to make you so proud and ensure your contagious smiles shine on forever.
You were so fortunate to have seen the world. You set off for your own fulfillment not realising you'd leave a mark on everyone you'd meet.
Rest in peace, our friends, our brothers."
Please help and support the victims of violent crimes and help young people make the right choices by donating today
