Speakers

John Fransham - Youth Leader

With decades of experience as a youth leader, John has a natural rapport with teens. He is gifted in being able to relate to everyday life issues young people deal with, and to give sound, straightforward advice. When he speaks, his message is direct and engaging – young people love the stories he tells, stories from his own life and from those of people who have inspired him.

John’s work with teens and their families has taken him to numerous countries and troubled spots, including Northern Ireland, Cuba, Israel, and Thailand. He has spent his lifetime encouraging collaboration and community among people.

In addition to his work with youth, John has counselled couples, parents, war veterans, prison inmates, and the terminally ill. The secret to his approach is summed up in John’s belief that each life has value, and every person is entitled to dignity and respect.

The father of six children (and now a grandfather), John “learned on the job” how essential it is that children and young people are taught non-violent conflict resolution. “Being a parent makes the work I do now with young people very personal,” John says. “Their hope and enthusiasm for life is contagious. It inspires my efforts to help them realise their dreams.”

Mary Foley - Motivational Speaker

Mary has known East London all her life. Mother of three children, she was determined to provide her children with a safe and happy home life. Tragedy struck when her daughter Charlotte, 15yrs old, attended a birthday party for a friend. Call it wrong place wrong time, but Charlotte paid the ultimate price with her life. Her killer is now serving 14 years in prison.

As any mother would be, she was devastated, angry and bitter. Mary soon realized though, that unless she found healing, she would become a chronic victim of the violence and anger that killed her daughter. Mary chose to forgive the young girl that murdered Charlotte. Through that courageous choice, Mary has brought new meaning to the life of her daughter Charlotte, and a message of hope and inspiration to hundreds of young people.

Mary testifies that forgiveness is the only way to rid your self from the caner of bitterness that will destroy your own life. She currently works with young people as a mentor, as well as presenter for various anti-violence projects in the East London area, helping young people find solutions to their problems and meaning for their life.

September 18, 2008

In recognition of her work to help young people, Mary received a peace award from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington.

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Nathan Levy - Motivational Speaker

A promising young footballer for Chelsea, Nathan's ambitions and dreams were becoming a reality. Unexpectedly, his life took a heartbreaking turn that changed his outlook permanently. On September 16th 2004, his younger brother Robert, aged 16, was murdered when he tried to stop a fight. As Robert went to intervene, the attacker turned on him and stabbed him multiple times. Tragically he died.

Robert’s death inspired Nathan’s family to start the Robert Levy foundation, an organization that provides support for young people through events in the community.

Nathan uses his abilities and talents to mentor and coach young people and advise schools through his organization Nu-Gen in Redbridge. Working and speaking with young people, Nathan embodies a role model that young people can look to for inspiration on having a positive impact and becoming better citizens.

Glenn Fielder - Motivational Speaker

Few know better than Glenn the devastation a knife can do. Glenn is a close friend of David Beckham and grew up on the same street as the England midfielder, playing beside him as a boy. Glenn's career was cruelly destroyed when he was left paralysed at the age of 16 after he was stabbed in the back. Today he drives a hand-controlled taxi to make a living for his wife and family.

In being able to forgive the young man who put him in a wheel chair, Glenn is a powerful role model for the students he speaks with. "If anyone knows the damage knives can do, it's me." He tells them.