THE Give 10 Pints fo r Ashley campaign is continuing to gather support, with the deputy police and crime commissioner for Essex vowing to take part in the blood donation drive.

Lindsay Whitehouse spok e out after attending the launch of Chelmsford’s knife amnesty, whic h has been organised by the charity Onl y Cowards Carry and Essex Police following Ashley Woolley’s death in the city, i n December, and the murder of another teenager, Jay Whiston, in Colchester, in 2012.

Mr Whitehouse has since pledged his support for the Give 10 Pints for Ashley Campaign, which has been set up by Ashley’s father, Trevo r Woolley, and the Weekly News to encourage people to each donate ten pints of blood – the amount Ashley receive d in the battle to save his life – in the teenager’s memory to help save others .

Mr Whitehouse, pictured, said: “I know Trevor Woolley professionally, and I know he i s a man of the highest integrity with a strong sense of justice and fairness. My heart goes out to him for the tragic loss of his much-loved son Ashley .

“Trevor’s actions since Ashley’s death, and his campaign for people to give ten pints of blood in his memory, are a measure of his strength of character and his determination to build a lasting memorial to his son.

“His work to raise awareness of knife crime will hopefull y keep other young people safe and spare other parents from the worst nightmare tha t Trevor and his family hav e faced.

“I will be delighted to join the campaign to give ten pints of blood in memory of Ashley and to show my personal and professional support for Trevor’s campaign.”

Keep up to date with the campaign online at chelmsford weeklynews.co.uk or search fo r #GiveTenPintsForAshley