A Hull family who channelled their grief into creating something positive out of tragedy are busier than ever spreading awareness of the effects of a one-punch attack.
Scott Akester died from one punch in November 2022. His family set up the One Punch Hull & East Yorkshire charity in August 2023 and, since this January, have been taking their story into schools, colleges and workplaces, with the advice to “Stop, Think and Walk Away” if anyone finds themselves in a situation that could result in a punch being thrown.
Scott’s mum Debbie Akester said: “We’ve been raising awareness of the risks of one-punch attacks, and the devastation they cause. To date we’ve delivered over 40 talks in local primary and high schools, local colleges, and training academies and have taken our talks across the Humber into Lincolnshire, following direct requests from schools.
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“We’ve spoken to approximately 4,000 local people with regards to our story and reached out to over 800,000 followers on social media. Our Facebook page now has over 3,000 followers, and our website receives over 200 hits a month.”
Debbie said: “Feedback has been really positive and we are being contacted every week, to take our important messages into schools and workplaces. People don't realise how common one-punch attacks are, and the number of people affected by that split-second decision to punch out.
“Teaching staff are recognising the risks and feel that by hearing of the devastation caused first hand, delivered by our family, it is helping them, and their children, to understand the need to avoid getting into a situation where they feel it is necessary to punch out, or they could be a victim of one punch. We advise them to take themselves away from the situation before it escalates, to learn how to manage their anger, and to get involved in sports and other team activities to support their mental and physical health.
“The wider we spread our story, the more lives we can change and keep everyone safe, which is our ultimate aim.” Over the summer the charity has been attending a number of family events within communities.
“The reaction we get from everyone we speak to is amazing. We want to keep on delivering our important message.”
A couple of events are coming up that have been organised to further promote the charity and the story behind it. The first is a charity boxing night, organised by GCGF Events, on Friday, September 13.
Debbie said: “While some may think, why would we support boxing, our message is, if you do want to punch out, do it in a controlled environment, where training is provided, and safety measures are in place. Young people enjoy boxing and it is good for your mental and physical health to be involved in sports, with boxing being a very popular sport in Hull, following in the steps of Olympic champion Luke Campbell and others from the city.”
A new play coming out in October will help the charity take its work in another direction. “One Punch” has been written in partnership with The John Godber Company, and is showing at Hull Truck Theatre from October 8 to 10, and at The Junction, Goole, on October 11.
“The play is written by Jane Thornton and Martha Godber, and is based on our story,” said Debbie. “It would be great for the local community to get behind us and come along to one of the shows.” Tickets are on sale now.
“If successful, we are looking to take our play out again next year, further afield, and into local schools and colleges, which will provide a different angle to get our message across into our local communities, helping us to change behaviours and saving lives together,” Debbie said.
During September, One Punch Awareness Week will be running from the 16th to 20th. One Punch Hull & East Yorkshire will be delivering its talk to a number of audiences and raising awareness further during the national event.
Debbie said: “The work we undertake is really helping us as a family dealing with our grief and something positive coming out of our trauma. We are also keeping Scott’s memory alive and leaving a legacy for his daughter, Ella, who was only four when she lost her daddy.
“This is so important for us, me and Steve as his mum and dad, and also his partner Naomi. We have all been involved in setting up our charity and taking our talk and awareness into the community.”
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