Croydon community unite to honour the legacy of Elianne Andam

The Croydon community came together on Friday 27th September to honour the memory of Elianne Andam, a 15-year-old girl who was the tragic victim of knife crime as she made her way to school last year, on the one-year anniversary of her death.
A mural was unveiled during the event to commemorate Elianne’s life, featuring a portrait of Elianne alongside ceramic tiles engraved with adjectives her loved ones used to describe her. The mural was produced by Alec Saunders, a local artist and is located outside the Whitgift Shopping centre, on Wellesley Road.

The mural space also features a bench that was once used by Elianne and her friends, provided by Old Palace School, Elianne’s school, complete with a stone plaque, carved by local stonemason Ivan Cudby, a wall plaque featuring Elianne’s photograph and message from her family and planters of wildflower seeding.

In support of the local community and to promote safety in the community, HERSANA CIC, a non-profit organisation that designs safe spaces for Black women and girls affected by or at risk of experiencing gender-based violence across England and Wales, will deliver Bystander Intervention Training. This training, a legacy to Elianne, will help businesses, community groups and members of the public understand the importance of how to become active bystanders. The free session will give participants the skills to recognise anti-social behaviour, sexual harassment and misogyny, and to intervene safely when witnessing such behaviours.

Denzil Larbi, Elianne’s cousin and Minister of West Croydon Baptist Church, read a personal statement about Elianne at the event. He said, “Elianne’s brutal murder has shattered our family, leaving us struggling to navigate a world without her. Tragically, we are not alone. Over the past year, countless other families have been forced to endure the same unbearable loss as knife crime continues to devastate communities. Our children — whether they’re walking to school, heading home, going to a dance class, or simply playing in the park — deserve better.”

He went on to say, “Despite our anguish, one truth remains clear: Elianne’s memory will endure, living on in all of us. Her spirit, her joy, and her compassion are woven into the fabric of our lives, every single day. Today, we’re not just here to mourn her absence—we’re here to celebrate her life. A life that touched us deeply and in ways that will stay with us forever.”

The mural and unveiling were facilitated by key partners including the family,  the Metropolitan Police, Mayor Jason Perry & Croydon Council, Sarah Jones MP, Croydon BID, John Whitgift Foundation, Old Palace School, artist Alec Saunders, local stonemason Ivan Cudby, nonprofit organisation and host Croydon BME Forum, HERSANA CIC, New Life church, Anthony King, Head of Majestic Community Care Services, Green UK & Bugs Life, donator of the wildflower seeds and ASAP and Principle Demolition for supporting with the installation.

Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon said: “The loss of Elianne has rippled across our community – from her family who have had to endure the unthinkable, to her friends and teachers who feel her absence every day. Croydon, too, carries this loss in its heart.”

“Elianne’s passing must continue to remind us of our duty to protect our young people. Violence against women and girls has no place in our society. It must be eradicated, and we must work tirelessly to ensure that no family has to go through the heartbreak that Elianne’s family has endured.”

Quote from one of Elianne’s family members: “Elianne’s death has left a hole in all of our hearts, a hole that can never be fixed. Twelve months on we are still grieving and confused as to why this happened to our angel. This memorial has been made with so much love, which reflects the type of person Elianne was. The community needs to come together to put an end to knife crime once and for all.”