A charity being launched in the name of a teenager stabbed to death in Norwich will ensure he did not die for nothing.

In the difficult months that have passed since the murder of Joe Dix in Vale Green, Mile Cross, in January 2022 his parents Emma and Phil have been working round the clock to set up the new organisation.

Eastern Daily Press: Emma Dix who with her husband Phil has set up the Joe Dix FoundationEmma Dix who with her husband Phil has set up the Joe Dix Foundation (Image: Submitted by family of Joe Dix)Now, on the brink of being officially launched, it is hoped The Joe Dix Foundation will raise awareness of the dangers of child exploitation, gangs and knife crime in our region to parents, carers and youngsters.

Mrs Dix said: "We felt that Joe can’t have died for nothing.

Eastern Daily Press: Joe Dix, right, with his familyJoe Dix, right, with his family (Image: Supplied by family of Joe Dix)“We just feel it’s really important to speak out about our loss and the experiences that we’ve gone through and if we can help anyone with the early warning signs... we want to help people.”

Mr Dix, who had a previous conviction for a drugs offence, was 18 when he was stabbed to death near his flat. He had received a call from a friend in a nearby crack den to say a rival gang was trying to raid the property. He went to help but was set upon by the group.

As well as raising awareness about the perils of knife crime the charity also wants to launch a helpline for those concerned their child is involved in activities which could put them at risk.

Eastern Daily Press: Police in Vale Green after Joe Dix was murderedPolice in Vale Green after Joe Dix was murdered (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)There will be leaflets about the warning signs of child exploitation and what to look out for as well as basic first aid information to help in situations where someone has been stabbed.

The couple, who have been working hard to get the charity set up and are in the process of getting a charity number, plan to eventually go into schools to talk to youngsters.

Eastern Daily Press: Joe DixJoe Dix (Image: Submitted from family of Joe Dix)But they want to start with parents as they want to be able to pass on their knowledge and experiences.

A race night is due to be held at Sprowston Cricket Club at 7pm on October 21 to help raise money for the charity.

Email thejoedixfoundation@gmail.com for more information.