A motion has been laid in Parliament to honour Olivia Pratt-Korbel on what would have been her 10th birthday.
Today (Tuesday) should have been a day of joy and laughter for Olivia and her family as they marked another year together. Sadly, last year her life was cruelly snatched away in a horrific shooting that shocked the nation.
Earlier this week, her mum Cheryl said she would be celebrating the day with a private party and would decorate a tree on the patch of land the family hope to transform into Olivia’s memorial garden in Dovecot.
READ MORE: Man suffers serious injuries after crashing into a wall
One of those who has supported the campaign to create the garden is Labour MP for West Derby, Ian Byrne. Mr Byrne laid a motion in Parliament this afternoon to honour Olivia’s memory.
It said: “That this House notes that this day, Tuesday 13th June 2023, would have been West Derby schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel’s 10th birthday; notes that Olivia is sorely missed by her family and friends since her young life was tragically taken from her in a shooting last August which shocked the entire nation.”
The text also paid tribute to the effort of Cheryl and the community in Dovecot to ensure that Olivia’s name is never forgotten. It is hoped the park bearing Olivia’s name in Kingsheath Avenue will be a safe place for people in the area to meet and access “resources and support for young families away from criminal gangs in one of the most deprived areas of Liverpool.”
The motion added: “That this House places on record the determination and efforts of local residents including Cheryl and Olivia’s aunty Kerrie-Ann and Stephen Blennerhasset in forming the Kingsheath and District Veterans Association (KADVA) to ensure the memorial park and community hub becomes a reality; notes that the Member for Liverpool West Derby sits on the board of KADVA and gives it his full support; calls on the generosity of all who are able, to donate to Olivia's memorial park fundraiser.”
It is anticipated demolition of the old Labour club and creation of the park would cost around £300,000. Olivia was killed by Thomas Cashman, 34, as he embarked on a relentless pursuit to kill Joseph Nee, 36, on August 22 last year.
Cheryl and her two other children, Ryan, 23, and Chloe, 19, had to leave their home and move elsewhere following the murder last August.
Cashman was sentenced to life with a minimum of 42 years in prison for killing Olivia.
Join the Liverpool ECHO's breaking news and top headlines WhatsApp community
READ NEXT
Live court updates as Connor Chapman appears charged with Elle Edwards' murder
First picture of Connor Chapman accused of Elle Edwards' murder
