ASPIRATIONAL young people are encouraged to apply for a Hillingdon Council bursary set up in memory of Tashan Daniel.

He was just 20 when he was killed in an unprovoked knife attack at Hillingdon Underground station.

Tashan was a talented athlete with ambitions to compete in the Olympics, and the Tashan Daniel Award aims to continue his legacy by helping young people to achieve their aspirations and give back to the community. 

His sister, Oceanna, aged 19, is now studying criminology at university. She said: “I will never understand why those heartless individuals took away my brother’s innocent life, but the council’s bursary is a positive way to honour his name.

“We’re supporting motivated, talented individuals to pursue their dreams and ambitions, while also giving back to the community.” 

Young people up to the age of 21 in Hillingdon can apply for funds to help work towards their ambitions across a multitude of disciplines, including sport, theatre, arts and education. 

Zara Khan, 14 from Northwood, said: “I applied for the award when my dad was seriously ill, as I had to stop a lot of activities I’d been pursuing to follow my dream of becoming a lead performer in musical theatre.

“The award enabled me to return to building skills in dramatic arts and I hope to honour Tashan’s legacy, not only performing on stage but as a drama therapist to support other children, like me, who are going through challenging times.” 

This academic year, the council has worked in partnership with police, magistrates and victim services to deliver more than 100 preventative sessions on knife crime to those aged 11 and 12 in secondary schools.

Cllr Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: "We’re providing funding up to £2,000 per person each year. We’re looking for applicants who are not only excellent in their chosen field, but who also want to support and inspire other talented young people.”  

Applications will close on Sunday July 7, and you can find further details on: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/tashan-daniel-award