Henry Nowak's mother to set up charity in his memory to support bereaved families

She said the foundation will be for those "who suddenly find themselves facing the devastating loss of someone they love", the Telegraph reports.

Her son, an 18-year-old finance student, was stabbed five times by Digwa on December 3 last year and died in police custody after his killer accused him of being racist.

The murder sparked public outcry after the bodycam footage released by the police showed officers handcuffing Mr Nowak while he was dying of stab wounds, telling them he could not breathe.

Digwa received a life sentence, with a minimum of 21 years.

His mother, Kiran Kaur, has been sentenced for three years in prison after aiding her killer son by hiding the dagger which killed Mr Nowak.

Kelly Copleston, Mr Nowak’s godmother and a friend of Ms Ross, said the charity would support bereaved families with household bills and mortgage payments in the short term.

Lucy Ross is hoping to set up the Henry Nowak Foundation to help those who have 'suddenly' lost loved ones

PA

She 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."

She 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."

An investigation was launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the murder, with two officers facing a gross misconduct inquiry.

The IOPC will also be conducting an independent inspection into police processes and training.

Ms Copleston said Ms Ross has been left facing "the unbearable reality of living without her son", all while still trying to be a mum and manage the everyday responsibilities that "don't disappear when your world falls apart".

Despite the heartbreak, she said something meaningful is beginning to take shape, with Ms Ross determined that Mr Nowak's life and memory "make a difference".

Digwa has launched a bid to overturn his murder conviction and reduce his sentence.

He made an application to the Court of Appeal in a bid to reduce his prison time.

However, Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC referred his case for review earlier this month under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme, which means the killer's sentence can be increased.

A judge will decide whether Digwa should be given the chance to appeal his life sentence.

If approved, Digwa's case will be heard by three judges from the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.

Digwa and his brother Gurpreet Digwa, 27, and his father Moga Singh, have also been charged with owning illegal weapons in their home.

They will go on trial in September 2027.