Lucy Ross, mother of the late Henry Nowak, is establishing a charity in his memory to support families grieving the sudden loss of loved ones. The Henry Nowak Foundation aims to provide practical assistance and emotional support to bereaved parents and families, particularly those facing unexpected tragedies similar to the one Ross’s family endured.

Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old university student from Essex, was fatally stabbed in December 2025 in Southampton. His killer, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. The case drew widespread attention partly due to police bodycam footage showing officers handcuffing Henry while he was dying from his injuries, during which he was heard saying, “I can’t breathe.” Investigations revealed that Digwa had falsely claimed to police that he had been a victim of racist abuse on the day of the attack.

Kelly Copleston, Henry’s godmother and a close friend of Lucy Ross, outlined that the foundation will aim to assist families with immediate financial pressures such as household expenses and mortgage payments as they navigate their grief. Copleston emphasized the importance of providing a space where grieving families can find understanding and compassion, describing the foundation’s long-term goal of creating a local, peaceful environment where those affected by loss can come together.

“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,” Copleston said, underscoring the charity’s mission to offer both practical help and emotional support during such difficult times.

The murder also sparked official scrutiny of police conduct. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Henry’s arrest and treatment, with two officers facing a gross misconduct investigation. An independent review of police procedures and training was also initiated in the wake of the incident.

Further legal proceedings are ongoing involving Digwa’s family. Kiran Kaur, Digwa’s mother, was sentenced for concealing the weapon used in the attack. Additionally, Digwa, his brother Gurpreet Digwa, and their father Moga Singh face charges related to illegal weapons possession, with a trial scheduled for September 2027.

Through the foundation, Lucy Ross hopes to ensure that Henry’s legacy extends beyond the tragedy, providing help and hope to other families coping with loss. Copleston reflected on this vision, stating, “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.”