A charity ball in memory of a teenager who was stabbed to death on the streets of Norwich is being held to help fund the fight against young gangs and knife crime.

The Joe Dix Foundation, set up in the wake of the death of the 18-year-old who was fatally stabbed in Mile Cross last year, will be hosting a January Blues Ball in Norwich next month.

Eastern Daily Press: Joe DixJoe Dix (Image: Supplied by family of Joe Dix)It is hoped the event will enable the fledgling charity, set up by Joe's parents Emma and Phil, to achieve its goal of ensuring no other family has to endure the pain they have.

Eastern Daily Press: Emma Dix, mother of Joe Dix, who has set up the Joe Dix Foundation in his memoryEmma Dix, mother of Joe Dix, who has set up the Joe Dix Foundation in his memory (Image: Supplied by family of Joe Dix)Speaking before the event on January 27, Emma said: "The aim of the Joe is Foundation is to use Joe's story to awaken people's understanding of the dangers of Child Criminal Exploitation, knife crime and gang culture in the UK. 

"Since the official launch of the Foundation, on October 5, the helpline has received calls from all over the country of people after support, which is the one thing that Phil and I felt was lacking. 

"We have released separate parent and child leaflets about Child Criminal Exploitation which Norfolk Constabulary and Citizen's Advice Bureau have both agreed to distribute."

Emma said the charity has taken "several bookings" for talks at schools and safeguarding networking groups.

The charity was launched days after their son's killers - Hans Beeharry, then 20, Benjamin Gil, then 19 and Cameron Palmer, then also 19 - were sentenced to life imprisonment for his murder.

Eastern Daily Press: Cameron Palmer, Hans Beeharry and Benjamin GilCameron Palmer, Hans Beeharry and Benjamin Gil (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)Mr Dix, who himself had a conviction for drug offences, was heading out to confront the trio after being called to help a friend in a nearby crack den that they had attempted to raid.

Eastern Daily Press: Police in Vale Green, NorwichPolice in Vale Green, Norwich (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)The three had gone armed with at least one knife to threaten those in the property, which was being used by a county lines drug gang.

They met Mr Dix in the street and, after chasing him, stabbed him seven times.

The ball takes place at the Oaklands Hotel, Norwich from 7pm on January 27 and will be hosted by MC Lee with The Shunters Blues Band playing live.

Contact thejoedixfoundation@gmail.com for more information.