East Kilbride boxing club launches 'Knives Down Gloves Up' sessions following tragic death of Kayden Moy

Daily Record

23-05-2025

EK Boxing Academy has launched the new sessions in a bid to tackle youth violence.
A boxing gym in East Kilbride is hoping to educate local youths by urging them to put the knives down and pull the gloves on.
Following last week's Irvine Beach tragedy when 16-year-old East Kilbride boy Kayden Moy lost his life in an alleged stabbing, EK Boxing Academy has launched 'Knives Down Gloves Up' sessions in a bid to tackle youth violence locally.
A post on their Facebook page reads: "In light of recent affairs we're posting to encourage teenagers to come along to these sessions to help educate our youths on putting the knives down and gloves on to learn respect, self worth and joining a community of like-minded individuals.
"Anyone interested in coming along just drop our page a message so we can book you in free of charge and lets put the knives down and gloves up."
The town has been rocked by the tragic events of Saturday when former Duncanrig pupil Kayden Moy was fatally wounded at Irvine Beach while enjoying a day out at the seaside with his friends.
Emergency services were called to the beauty spot in Ayrshire on Saturday evening after receiving reports of a seriously injured youth.
Sadly 16-year-old Kayden died in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock on Sunday, May 18.
A 17-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has now been charged with murder in connection with the incident as the investigation continues.
He made no plea at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody.
A second teenager was yesterday arrested in connection with Kayden's death as enquiries continue.
East Kilbride town centre-based health and wellness charity Little Brains is also offering advice on how to open conversations with teenagers and provide safe spaces for them to deal with their grief.
Louise Keegan, who runs the non-profit organisation, said: "Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kayden.
"There will be a lot of heartbroken young people trying to navigate this situation and they will need a lot of empathy as they try to get their head around this. There may be outbursts which are completely understandable.
"Grieving the loss of a friend, especially in traumatic circumstances, can be an incredibly intense and complex experience for teenagers. The way they process this profound loss can vary greatly, influenced by their age, emotional maturity, and personal experiences.
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"When a friend is taken so drastically, it can feel like the ground has shifted dramatically beneath their feet. Teenagers may experience a mixture of shock, disbelief, anger, and profound sadness.
"These feelings can be overwhelming, and it's essential to acknowledge that what they are going through is a natural response to a devastating situation.
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"During this grief journey, teenagers might struggle with feelings of vulnerability and fear, questioning their safety and the world around them.
"They may feel isolated in their pain, believing that friends and adults around them cannot fully understand their experience. This sense of disconnection can sometimes lead to anger, apathy, or withdrawal from social interactions."
She added: "Additionally, teenagers may feel guilt or shame, grappling with thoughts like, 'Could I have done something to prevent this?' or 'Why did this happen to them and not to me?'
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"These thoughts can be distressing, making it crucial for supportive adults to reassure them that these feelings are normal and that they are not to blame for the tragedy.
"Engaging in open conversations about their feelings can be incredibly beneficial. Encourage teenagers to express their emotions, whether that's through talking, writing, or other creative outlets.
"If they find it challenging to open up, they may feel more comfortable confiding in a trusted friend or a counselor who can provide a safe space for them to process their grief.
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"Support can also come from peer groups or memorial activities that honour the memory of their friend, allowing them to connect with others who understand their shared loss. Remind them that it's okay to seek help and that they don't have to navigate their grief alone.
"Ultimately, helping teenagers recognise that grieving is a personal journey that isn't linear can be comforting. It's okay to have good days and bad days, and it's important for them to know that healing takes time."
Crimestoppers' youth service Fearless Scotland is also urging conversations with young people after the recent tragedy and a number of other serious events involving young people across the country.
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They want families and communities to talk openly with young people about the importance of speaking up about crime.
Lyndsay McDade, Scotland Manager of Fearless, Crimestoppers' youth service, said: 'In the wake of the devastating incident in Irvine at the weekend - and other recent events involving young people across Scotland - it's more important than ever to talk about the power of speaking up.
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"Encouraging young people to share what they know about crime can be a life-saving conversation and one we all need to be having.
"That's why I'm asking you: please talk to the young people in your life this bank holiday weekend. Help them understand how vital it is to speak up if they know someone carries a weapon, is involved in violence or any other crimes. Let them know it's not 'grassing' - it's protecting lives.
"Give them permission to do the right thing and help them to see that speaking up is an act of courage and kindness.
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"I know fear of stigma or retaliation can stop them - but that's exactly why our charity exists. At Fearless.org, young people can tell us what they know 100 per cent anonymously.
"What it will do is make their lives safer, their friends' lives safer and all of our communities safer.
"This is one simple, powerful step we can all take that will make a positive difference.'
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