Henry Nowak’s mother to set up charity in his name
Henry Nowak’s mother to set up charity in his name
Telegraph reportersWed, September 2, 2026 at 9:43 AM UTC
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Henry Nowak was murdered by Vickrum Digwa in December last year - Finnbarr Webster/Getty ImagesHenry Nowak’s mother is setting up a charity in his memory to support bereaved parents and families.
Henry Nowak’s mother is setting up a charity in his memory to support bereaved parents and families.
Lucy Ross wants to set up the Henry Nowak Foundation to help families who have lost loved ones, after the 18-year-old university student was murdered by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton in December last year.
Ms Ross says the appeal is for those “who suddenly find themselves facing the devastating loss of someone they love”.
Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of Mr Nowak.
The killing provoked an outcry after bodycam footage showed police officers arresting and handcuffing Mr Nowak while he was dying from stab wounds and saying: “I can’t breathe.”
Digwa, who is Sikh, had lied to police that he had been a victim of racist abuse.
Henry Nowak (left) was studying at Southampton University before he was murdered
Kelly Copleston, Mr Nowak’s godmother and friend of Ms Ross, is also raising funds to help with household costs and mortgage payments in the short term.
Her appeal said: “Through the foundation, Lucy hopes to provide the understanding, compassion and practical support that grieving families so desperately need – somewhere to turn when they feel lost and alone.
“In time, she hopes to create a safe and peaceful place locally where families can step away from the pressures of everyday life and simply be together while they begin to navigate their grief.
“No mother should have to worry about returning to work or how she will keep up with everyday financial responsibilities while trying to process the loss of her child.”
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She added that in the long term, the funds would help Ms Ross set up the foundation for grieving families.
Ms Copleston added: “Nothing can take away Lucy and her family’s heartbreak, and nothing can bring Henry back. But your support can help Lucy now while also helping her build something lasting in her son’s name – Henry’s legacy.
“Together, we can help Lucy through the immediate challenges of grief while supporting her long-term vision of turning unimaginable loss into a source of hope and support for families who may one day need it.
“For Lucy. For Olivia [Mr Nowak’s sister]. For grieving families everywhere. And most importantly, for Henry.”
Henry Nowak’s family outside Southampton Crown Court - Ollie Thompson/Solent News & Photo Agency
The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation after the murder, with two officers facing a gross misconduct investigation, and an independent inspection into police processes and training has also been confirmed.
Kiran Kaur, Digwa’s mother, was also jailed for hiding the dagger that he used to kill Mr Nowak.
Digwa and Gurpreet Digwa, his 27-year-old brother, and Moga Singh, his father, have also been charged with owning illegal weapons at their home in Southampton and will go on trial in September 2027.
Ms Copleston said: “Since Henry’s death, Lucy has had to face the unbearable reality of living without her son, while still trying to be a mum and manage all the everyday responsibilities that don’t disappear when your world falls apart.
“Amidst all this heartbreak, something really meaningful is beginning to take shape.
“Lucy wants Henry’s life and memory to make a difference. Her dream is to establish a charity dedicated to supporting parents and families who suddenly find themselves facing the devastating loss of someone they love.”
Source: “AOL Breaking”
