It has been a full year since friends and family of murdered teenager Owen Dunn formed an anti-knife crime charity in his name. 

When the Owen's World community interest company launched at an event at the Moonrakers pub, just months after Owen's death when he was stabbed in an attack by two teenagers on Mazurek Way on December 4, 2022, the mood was sombre.

But 12 months later, on the first anniversary of Owen's World and after the two teenagers responsible were jailed for a total of 31 years, his loved ones gathered to hear about everything that had been done to combat knife crime in that time and to celebrate these achievements. 

In the past year, the organisation has successfully distributed 11 potentially life-saving bleed kits across Swindon, in a bid to ensure that what happened to Owen does not happen to anyone else.

It has also educated young people about the consequences of knife crime, set up a mentoring programme and helped raise £22,000. 

Last month, it launched the Check your Children campaign, urging parents and guardians to have open conversations about knife crime with their children and make sure they're not carrying a knife.

Speaking to ITV, CEO and founder of Owen's World, Joanne Davis, said: “When I stood up to do my speech I thought back to where we were a year ago and I honestly didn’t think that we’d be here. 

“We’ve got so much support we’re recognised all over the country. It just seems to be moving forward. As long as we’re getting through to at least one child, then our work has been good."

Local band Trios Amigos provided entertainment at the anniversary event, also at the Moonrakers, and there was also a raffle. 

The function room at the pub was packed as people showed up to continue supporting the organisation's vital work. 

“[It was] absolutely amazing," said Joanne. "We were quite shocked there were so many people there. 

“It was just lovely to see everybody, celebrating what we’ve done in the last year but at the same time, it’s a devastating reminder of why we’re doing it. 

“Owen was never far from anyone’s thoughts last night.”

In its second year and beyond, Owen's World would like to continue doing what it has been doing and add more bleed kits to the town, and visit more schools and youth groups. 

It also has plans for an exhibition in its own building that people can visit.