Stepdad of Danny Fox hopes 'Daniel would be proud' after police award for dedication in the face of tragedy

Daniel Fox, from Thatto Heath, died on September 2, 2016, after he was fatally stabbed while out in St Helens town centre.

His death devastated his mum Linda Ashton, and the rest of the family and his friends.

Karl Ashton with his award

Since then the family has launched a charity in his name called The Daniel Fox Foundation, which raises awareness of knife crime.

One of those leading the foundation is Danny’s stepdad Karl, 53, who has been a constable with Merseyside Police for the past 16 years. 

Alongside other family members and friends, they have been doing talks, particularly in schools, trying to raise awareness on the dangers and consequences of knife crime. 

For his work, Merseyside Police has given Karl, from Thatto Heath, an award in memory of former Inspector Tom Wright who died from cancer.

The annual honour recognises those in the force who have been dedicated and loyal in the face of serious injury, personal tragedy or hardship. 

The family of Daniel Fox

Karl, who served in the army for 17 years, said: “It’s nice that the police have put me forward for this, I didn’t expect to get it but I hope Daniel would be proud of what we are doing.

“I’m just doing what any parent would do in our position.

"We have done this [set up the Daniel Fox Foundation] not only to raise awareness but to also give us something positive to focus on in Daniel's memory.

“We do it for the community as well because I just can’t believe the support we’ve had since Daniel died. 

Danny Fox

“St Helens gets a bad reputation, but they all come together in a crisis, for us and for the family of Violet-Grace Youens. This community looks after its own.

“This award will live in Daniel’s room alongside the 2018 Pride of St Helens Family of the Year Award, because they are both for him and because of him.”