Jody Dobrowski is being remembered 20 years after he was brutally murdered in a shocking homophobic attack.
The horrific killing of the 24-year-old bar manager in 2005 sent shockwaves through Britain.
Tomorrow (15 October), the community will once again gather at the site of the tragic attack to pay tribute and take a stand against hate.
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The annual ‘Shine On’ vigil, organised by Best of Clapham, follows last year’s event when Jody’s memorial bench was cruelly vandalised, as reported by Need To Know.
Local carpenter Lex stepped in to repair it free of charge, with support and permission from Lambeth Parks.
Jody was walking home across Clapham Common in London on 14 October 2005 when he was set upon by Thomas Pickford and Scott Walker.
The pair, who believed he was gay, subjected him to a savage beating, causing 33 separate injuries, including damage to his brain, neck and spine.
His injuries were so severe that he had to be identified by his fingerprints.
Both attackers were later jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years.
The vigil will begin at 5:45 pm tomorrow (15 October) at Clapham Common Bandstand.
A spokesperson for the event said: “On Wednesday 15 October, our community returns to the Clapham Common Bandstand to mark 20 years since the tragic death of Jody Dobrowski, who was murdered in a brutal homophobic attack in 2005.
“This year’s vigil is not only about remembering Jody, it’s about coming together to show that our community will not be silenced by fear or hate.
“Let’s shine a light for Jody and stand together in rejection of hatred, in celebration of compassion, inclusion and strength.”
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