MARGARET & BARRY MIZEN
Margaret
The day Jimmy was taken from us, my world shattered into a million pieces. Amid unimaginable grief, I made a solemn promise to my precious son. I vowed to keep his name alive, to ensure that his light would never dim, even in the darkest of times. And secondly, I promised to dedicate my life to working for peace.
As a mother, my heart aches with the memory of Jimmy’s laughter, his boundless energy, his unwavering kindness. Every moment without him is a painful reminder of the void left in our lives. But through the tears and the anguish, I find comfort in the promise I made to him.
Jimmy’s memory fuels my determination to create a world where senseless violence has no place, where every child can grow up without fear, and where love triumphs over hate. It’s a mission born out of love, a tribute to the extraordinary young man he was.
So, as I navigate this journey of grief and healing, I carry Jimmy’s spirit with me every step of the way. And with every breath I take, I am reminded of the promise I made to him on that fateful day: to honour his legacy, to fight for justice, and to work tirelessly for a future where peace reigns supreme.
Barry
Since the tragic loss of our beloved Jimmy in 2008, our family has embarked on a mission of resilience and hope. Determined not to be crushed by grief, we have chosen to turn our pain into purpose, sharing Jimmy’s story far and wide.
From schools to churches, from prisons to workplaces, we have spread a message of forgiveness, peace, and hope. Our journey has touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring them to join us in building safer, more peaceful communities.
In the face of tragedy, we refuse to succumb to despair. We firmly believe that the root causes of anger, confrontation, and violence in our communities cannot be addressed through ever harsher punishment. True change requires collaboration, understanding, and empathy.
We advocate for early intervention, education, and meaningful engagement with young people and their communities. Each one of us bears the responsibility to nurture a culture of Forgiveness, Peace and Hope.
We have seen firsthand the transformative power of affirming and empowering young people to lead change. They are not just the future; they are the catalysts for change today. By listening to their voices and supporting their initiatives, we can create a ripple effect of transformation that reverberates throughout society.
It’s time to delve deeper into the root causes of violence and confront them head-on. We must strive to understand why some young people resort to harming others, addressing the underlying issues with compassion and determination.
Together, let us pave the way for a brighter future, where every young person feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference in their communities. This is our mission, our legacy, and our hope for the future.
Margaret and Barry have received numerous testimonials that attest to the profound impact of their interventions from students, parents, educators, and community leaders. A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when Barry and Margaret Mizen spoke at Pope Benedict XVI’s vigil in London’s Hyde Park, addressing an audience of 80,000. Their heartfelt message of forginess, peace and hope resonated deeply, earning a standing ovation and illustrating their unwavering commitment to creating a future free from violence.
Margaret’s recognition as “Catholic Woman of the Year” in 2009 for her inspirational courage following Jimmy’s death, alongside the awarding of MBEs to both Margaret and Barry in 2013 for their charitable efforts, underscores the significance of our mission. In 2014, Margaret was further honoured with an honorary degree from the University of Greenwich for her contributions to public service, and she now serves as Pro-Chancellor at St Mary’s University in Twickenham.
