Rob Knox’s Mother Speaks Out on Tenth Anniversary of His Death

On May 24, 2018, it will be ten years since Rob Knox was tragically murdered at 18 years old, a victim of knife violence. Though Knox’s role in the Harry Potter film franchise was small – he portrayed Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince before he was killed – his death affected the Potter community. In the past, MuggleNet has reported on various memorial efforts on behalf of the actor, including a film festival and church bench, as well as the Rob Knox Foundation, which was founded by his family after his death and works to reduce knife violence in London.

A key figure in the foundation is Knox’s mother, Sally Knox. On the eve of the tenth anniversary of his death, Sally has spoken out about her work with the foundation and Rob’s enduring legacy, sharing, “It’s still as difficult now as it was then.” In 2018, knife violence in London has been on the rise, a trend Sally admits is discouraging – but the Foundation is still optimistic about reducing London’s street violence. Recently, the Kent Police have funded the Rob Knox Film Academy, a community engagement program aimed at keeping youth off the streets.

Though the past ten years have been hard, Sally takes comfort in the progress the Foundation has been able to make.

It’s about getting young people off the streets [and] give them something to do. I take the story of how Rob died and use it as an example. I have had some fantastic feedback. I have had kids come up to me and tell me they no longer go out with a certain friend anymore because they carry a knife.

As the tenth anniversary of Rob’s death approaches, it’s a great time to remember the legacy of a young Potter actor gone too soon. If you are able, you may also want to consider supporting the Foundation’s work.

You can read the original story here.