Four years after a series of fatal shootings in Merseyside, the families of Ashley Dale, Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Sam Rimmer, and Elle Edwards are backing a new educational resource designed to deter young people from violence. The initiative, called Dear Merseyside, aims to foster discussions in schools about the consequences of violence, recognize criminal exploitation, and encourage positive life choices.
Sam Rimmer was killed at the age of 22 on August 16, 2022, while with friends. Five days later, Ashley Dale was fatally shot in Old Swan, followed by the death of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel the next day in Dovecot. Elle Edwards was also fatally shot outside a pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve of the same year.
Merseyside Police stated that the guided classroom resources are intended to highlight the devastating impact of violence. Julie Dale, Ashley Dale's mother, emphasized the importance of speaking out against gun crime, acknowledging the fear individuals may have but urging them to consider the impact on victims and their families. She also noted the support gained from connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, finding shared understanding and mutual assistance within a support group.