Following the violent deaths of their children and experiencing a profound need to bring something good and positive out of something bad, affected families have come together to make a difference.

E tenebris lux. From the darkness (comes) light.

ANDRE | ANDREW | BEN | DAMILOLA | DAVID | JASON | JIMMY
JOHNSON | KIYAN | KODJO | LLOYD | ROB

Andre’s Story

20th November 1989 – 3rd February 2007 (17 years old when taken)

Born on  Monday 20th November 1989 in Mayday Hospital, Croydon.  James (known to us all as Andre) was a happy peaceful child that was forever smiling…. as a young child he would only have to hear the mutter of the words ‘Donald duck quack quack’ and he would be in fits of laughter, a trait of sheer happiness he carried throughout his life.

James aged 17 was in his first year of an `Electrical Engineering Course at Carshalton College.  He was to attend Guildford College in September 2008 to study for his CeMAP exams (mortgage qualification) to join his mother’s mortgage practice.  He never made it to 18!

Having attended prestigious ‘Belair School in Mandeville, Jamaica, James returned to Beverley Boys in New Malden and left school with a clutch of 5 ‘GCSE’s.   Studying in Jamaica allowed him  to appreciate the true value of education.  He studied hard and showed true determination and drive to succeed.  He left Beverley Boys armed with his qualifications and a headstart to realising his dreams.

James an adorable young man with a  warm and caring nature, the little ‘man about the house’.  He showed great responsibility, unprecedented independence and  the courage to develop his inner abilities as an astute young businessman.

As he matured, his character exemplified that of a young man with great ambition, pride, vision and respect for others, always talking about his own children and the kind of ‘dad’ he wanted to be.   James had a passion for bikes and cars and was looking forward to a  successful future  and making a difference.

So full of life,  a comedian at heart with an infectious laugh, he made people laugh – finding the funny in everyone he met.   James will forever be remembered for the joy he brought into so many people’s lives.

CLICK HERE to watch ‘Life & Times’…

Out of the darkness comes light

JAGS Foundation CIC

JAGS Foundation CIC was set up as a lasting tribute to  James Andre Godfrey Smartt-Ford who was tragically murdered inside Streatham Ice Rink in February 2007,  following the ongoing work of LOST  (Losing Our Sons Tragically) founded by his parents Trevor Smartt and Tracey Ford it aims to raise £500,000 over 3 years to develop and deliver financial literacy  and life skills training programmes to young people aged 14-25.

With the widespread epidemic of teenage lives being lost to violent crime,   many young people voices need to be heard.  Many organisations working at grass roots levels are engaging in strategic alliances to impact change for future generations.

JAGS Foundation principal aims are:

  1. Assist young people in developing financial skills fundamental to a successful and independent future
  2. Support parents in creating responsible and enlightened young adults
  3. Open up opportunities for working in the financial services sector that may not otherwise have been appreciated

James’ mother, Tracey Ford  frequently addresses audiences of young people  and teachers in schools, parents at community and pastoral meetings, contributes to  governmental discussions and has appeared on radio debates to share the devastation and consequences of violent crime.

To find out more about the Foundation please visit www.jagsfoundation.co.uk

To arrange a visit from a member of Families Utd please contact us via contact us
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