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Supporters are calling for The JJ Effect founder, Byron Highton, to be honoured with an OBE for his relentless work in educating young people and preventing knife crime across the UK.
Following the tragic loss of his brother, Jon-Jo Highton, to knife crime in 2014, Byron transformed his grief into a mission.
For the last six years, he has dedicated his life to ensuring no other family suffers the same heartbreak.
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Through his community interest company, The JJ Effect, Byron has reached over 500,000 people, delivering talks in schools, prisons, and youth groups across the UK.
His impact is tangible, he has removed thousands of weapons from our streets, mentored vulnerable teenagers, and provided a lifeline to grieving families.
Byron consistently stands in the gaps where systems fail, and this petition calls for his tireless service to be officially recognised with an OBE.
Leanne Dickinson, who knows Byron through his community work, started the petition to ensure his tireless service is officially recognised with an OBE.
Leanne said: “Over time, we’ve also got to know each other personally, but this didn’t come from a friendship or a role; it came from witnessing the work and feeling it deserved wider recognition.
“This isn’t about fame or publicity, it’s about recognising years of consistent service and helping that work be seen and taken seriously.
“The petition wasn’t created in place of the nomination, but in support of it, to show genuine public and community backing as further evidence of the impact his work has had.”
To support the bid for Byron’s OBE and show your backing for The JJ Effect, you can sign the community petition here.
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