The cousin of a young man killed as he was about to start college has won an award set up in his memory. 

Jaden Christie was 20 years old when he was murdered in south London in September 2020. He’d just started as a Deliveroo driver and had been accepted onto a construction course. 

Jaden had learned key skills to help with his applications on the Spear Programme. After he died, his coaches at Spear Kennington set up the annual Jaden Christie Award to honour a fellow trainee who shows outstanding progress. 

Now, Jaden’s cousin Epphina has won it after completing the programme earlier this year and then landing a job.  

She received the award from her aunt, Jaden’s mum Patsy, at a special ceremony in Kennington recently.

Patsy said “Spear has helped young people a lot. Epphina is a different person.” 

Spear gave colour to my life 

Epphina agreed: “Spear changed my life. It’s given me a boost as a whole person. It’s given colour to my life.  

“I can pay my own bills. Buy my own clothes. I now have independence. Jaden would be very proud.”  

Epphina had heard about Spear from Patsy, and after finishing the programme, she got a job at Nando’s, where her manager is another former Spear trainee, Rocky. 

Nando’s has hired more than 100 young people who have “graduated” from the Spear Programme. 

Spear offers young people aged 16-24 free coaching in employability skills at 18 centres around the UK; 75% of those who complete the programme get into work or education and are still there a year later.