A teenager murdered at the hands of her parents will be remembered during an annual memorial day next week.
The third Shafilea Ahmed Day will take place next Thursday, July 14 on what would have been her 31st birthday after suffering years of ‘honour-based’ violence by those who were meant to love and protect her.
The Great Sankey High School pupil was killed in 2003 after her parents believed she had brought shame on the family.
The 17-year-old was suffocated to death in front of her siblings.
To raise awareness of ‘honour-based’ killing, a national day of memory was set up by Karma Nirvana.
Jasvinder Sanghera, chief executive of the charity, said: “Every year we use this day as an opportunity to raise the national profile of victims who have been murdered because of ‘honour-based’ abuse.
“Every year we cut a birthday cake for Shafilea and this year will be no different.
“But this year we are also looking at children and young people who are at risk because of the summer holidays as they could be taken abroad and forced into marriage.”
Jasvinder, who is a survivor of a forced marriage, has urged people to show their support at an event at Leeds Civic Hall in Leeds on July 14 from 9am to 4pm.
Alex Lewis-Jones, who is the founder of In Memory of Shafilea Ahmed, is also calling for schools across Warrington to be vigilant to help those who are risk of forced marriage.
He said: “Shafilea’s story is the reality of so many who need that support to have the courage to speak out.
“No-one can be subjected to harrowing campaigns of violence.
“What happened to her is the devastating reality of those murdered by their families to protect their so-called honour. With collective action we can break the chains of this slavery.”