Adam Rogers' dad tells 400 pupils the dangers of violence (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Adam Rogers' dad tells 400 pupils the dangers of violence

7:40pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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THE father of a man who was killed by a teenager who threw a single punch made an emotional presentation to school children about the consequences of violence.

Dave Rogers was invited to Witton Park High School Business and Enterprise College, Blackburn, where he addressed 400 year nine and 10 pupils about the damage violence can do to victims and their families.

With the support of Adam Roger’s step brother Tim McKenna, Dave told his son’s life story to pupils in the hope ‘something positive comes out of this tragedy.’ Dave said: “We want to engage young people to get them to grips with the problems and consequence of violence. Violence comes into their lives at an all to young age.

“We want them to stop violence, avoid, diffuse and walk away from situations.

"Violence shouldn’t be a part of a night out. It should not be an acceptable or normal part of an evening.”

He read out tribute messages left on a Facebook site, showed pictures of Adam growing up, and told how Adam was a peacemaker.

Adam Rogers, 24, a coach at Padiham Ladies' Football Club, banged his head on the pavement in the fall from the punch and died the next day after suffering brain injuries.

He was acting as a peacemaker in a dispute between two groups when William Upton, 17, of Ulverston Drive, Rishton, struck him in Northgate, Blackburn town centre.

Upton is awaiting sentence after being found guilty of manslaughter.

Dave and Pat Rogers, of Dukes Brow, Blackburn, hope to create a DVD which will be given to sixth form centres and colleges from September.

Gwen Onyon, headteacher, said: “It was very emotional. One punch can have terrible consequences and that’s the message. I know it will have an impact on young people if it makes just one person stop and think.”

Ryan Hurley, 15, from Blackburn, said: “It was inspirational and makes you think about your actions.”

Josh Bretherton, 14, from Blackburn said: “I had lots of thoughts running through my head when I heard the presentation. It makes you think twice before you act.”

Jessica Withers, 15, from Blackburn, said: “It was very emotional because I have lost someone in my family.”