The mother of a murdered young Leicester sports coach says she is struggling to sell tickets for the launch of a foundation she is setting up in her son's name.
Cheryl Armatrading is establishing AAA 4 Success to honour Antoin Akpom who was stabbed to death in Highfields last September.
Cheryl wants the foundation help young people in Leicester reach their full potential in education and employment and intends to launch it with an awards ceremony for youngsters at the Peepul Centre in Belgrave on November 1.
However she says ticket sales are slow meaning she may not be able cover the £4,000 cost of staging the launch.
She is hoping to sell 100 tickets for the black tie dinner at £40 each.
She said: "It's been a bit tough. I need to sell the tickets but If I can't I won't be able to do it.
"It would be a shame because I wanted it to be a special launch for a project which will look to carry on all the positivity and good work Antoin was doing before his life was so tragically cut short."
The 20-year-old father-of-one was a youth coach at Leicester Nirvana FC and ran a company, Strike 4 Success, which he set up with friend Joe French.
He was also a sports coach and mentor at Sparkenhoe Primary School, Highfields, and Whitehall Primary, Evington, where he ran Bouncing Breakfast exercise classes.
Antoin was also involved in anti-gun and knife crime initiatives through his involvement with the city's Black Future Development Trust.
Cheryl, who has put down a £500 deposit on the venue from her own savings, said: "Antoin's slogan was "Challenging Behaviours Changing Lives".
"He was able to mentor countless numbers of young people and actively campaigned in the community against violence.
"Antoin meant many things to many people he touched and inspired their lives.
"We are looking for support from the community to continue his legacy."
A number of artists including J Union, Ja Ja Soze and Noel de Souza have been lined up to perform on the night.
On October 25, at 2pm, a granite slab will be laid in tribute of Antoin on Sussex Street where he fell after being stabbed. A plaque presented on the anniversary of his death will be placed in Sparkenhoe School.
Hussain Hussain (19), of no fixed address, was convicted of murdering Antoin and was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
If you would like tickets to the launch email aa4success@live.com
