The Cherry Groce Memorial anniversary celebrations in Windrush Square

Cherry Groce was a Brixton mother, who was wrongfully shot in the shoulder by Insp. Douglas Lovelock in her home in 1985, leaving her paralysed from the waist down for the rest of her life. She died in 2011 of kidney failure and was never able to hear the apology the Met Police finally gave in 2014, which led to an inquiry summarising that the neglect of 8 police officers led to her death.

Since then, The Cherry Groce Foundation which “aims to make a difference to the lives of ordinary people who are faced with extraordinary challenges” has been set up in her memory. Last year the memorial, which was designed by architect Sir David Adjaye, was unveiled virtually (thanks to Covid) so the organisation is looking forward to a real life event to celebrate it’s first birthday.

Here’s what the chairman of the Foundation, Lee Lawrence, has said about Sunday:

“One year on from the memorial’s unveiling creates a moment to come together in common unity. Whilst reflecting and paying homage to our past, it also gives us an opportunity to renew our commitment to building a peaceful and more harmonious community in Lambeth. By celebrating this milestone, it will uplift our community’s spirit and promote unity, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, during which many of us have suffered.”

_{Lee Lawrence}

The Foundation will also be sharing it’s aims and objectives and will be inviting members of the community to share their own testimonials.

The event runs from 12pm-4pm in Windrush Square.