A Teesside man who has devoted years to tackling knife crime after losing his best friend is preparing for yet another gruelling challenge.
David Harmer, from Thornaby, has channelled his grief from losing his best friend, Taylor Black, into helping other people across the North East affected by knife crime.
Taylor, 18, was fatally stabbed 64 times at his Ketton Road flat in Thornaby in February 2020; Nathan Costello was later jailed for life for his murder.
The tragedy left a lasting impact on David, who has since dedicated his time to supporting anti-knife crime initiatives across the region and raising awareness of the devastating consequences violent crime can have on families and communities.
David training for his next fundraising challenge. (Image: David Harmer)
David has completed several fundraising challenges for the Chris Cave Foundation over the last few years, including climbing Scafell Pike and, most recently, taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Now, David is preparing for his next test, with plans to climb Snowdon in February 2027 to raise money for the Teesside charity.
David training for his next fundraising challenge. (Image: David Harmer)
David said: "I wanted to do something that would push me outside my comfort zone while also giving me the opportunity to raise money for a cause that I genuinely care about.
"I’ve been getting into the gym and working on my fitness, strength and endurance, and I’m gradually building things up in preparation for the climb.
"There’s still plenty of work to do before February, but I’m determined to be ready for it."
Theresa Cave founded the Chris Cave Foundation after her son Chris was stabbed to death in Redcar in June 2003.
Chris Cave was stabbed to death in Redcar, June 2003. (Image: Provided)
The charity educates young people across Teesside and beyond about knife and gun crime while supporting families bereaved or affected by violence.
Its work includes delivering educational programmes in schools, supporting families affected by violent crime and running community projects designed to steer young people away from violence.
The foundation's Redcar headquarters also features a Tree of Life mural bearing the names of 200 knife-crime victims.
Before the Three Peaks challenge, David told The Northern Echo that the charity had been invaluable after his friend’s death.
David with best friend Taylor Black, who was fatally stabbed in 2020. (Image: DAVID HARMER)
David said: "Taylor was my best friend for years, and when he died the Chris Cave Foundation supported his family.
"The founder, Theresa, was there for Taylor's mum throughout the ordeal.
"When someone chooses to pick up a knife, it is not just the victim they are hurting; they are hurting the friends and family of that victim.
"At least 41 per cent of deaths are knife crime related, which I feel is too high a number in this day and age.
"My aim is to keep raising awareness surrounding knife crime as it generally is forgotten about until another victim has been claimed."
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Earlier this year, David launched an appeal to help fund CCTV protection for the charity's community cabin after vandals damaged artwork created by local young people.
His support for the foundation stretches far beyond fundraising challenges, with educating young people about the consequences of knife crime remaining the key part of its mission.
Donations raised through the challenge will go towards supporting the Chris Cave Foundation's ongoing work with young people and families affected by violent crime.