Lorraine Dinnegan dedicates a tree in the Martin Dinnegan Peace Garden in Cornwallis Park

Published: 6 July, 2012

THE mother of murdered teenager Martin Dinnegan dedicated a tree to his memory during a Peace Walk in the garden named after him in Holloway.

The event in Martin Dinnegan Peace Garden in Cornwallis Park marked five years since Lorraine Dinnegan’s 14-year-old son was stabbed and killed by a gang of youths.

She said: “This tree represents the peace, safety and community spirit which we want to see growing – in this neighbourhood, in our city, and in the world.”

Islington Council Labour leader Catherine West joined the anniversary walk, which started at St Mellitus peace garden, Tollington Park.

They stopped at Wray Crescent park to remember all young victims of violence, and in Elthorne park, peace campaigner Bruce Kent described the achievements of Olympic medallist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lord Philip Noel-Baker, in the peace garden named after him.  

The walk ended at Holy Trinity peace garden, Granville Road, which commemorates residents killed by a bomb in Second World War.

Parish priest Father Patrick Henderson told walkers they were making peace visible by the signs they carried, and by taking a stand against violence at every level from local to international.  

The walk took place during the “100 Days of Peace” which runs from June 8 to October 28 – 50 days either side of the  Olympics and Paralym­pics – inspired by the truce in conflict that was part of the ancient Games.