A POLICE inspector has helped to give a project teaching children the devastating impact of knife crime a cash boost.

Insp Darren Deex, from Tendring’s community policing team, took to a beat of a different kind when he ran the London Marathon in April.

He raised £1,288 for Clacton-based knife crime charity Only Cowards Carry, which was launched by Caroline Shearer after her son Jay Whiston died after being stabbed at a party in Colchester in 2012.

The money will go towards the costs of interactive workshops aimed at secondary school children in Tendring.

The aim is to raise their awareness about knife crime, the dangers of carrying a knife, and other youth services that can help support them.

Shani Jackson, from Only Cowards Carry, said: “We are all so proud of Darren for running the marathon. Even with a leg injury he still managed to run it and raise an outstanding amount of money.

“We are now looking forward to working with the schools to deliver the weapons awareness project in September.”

Essex Police said knife crime devastates lives and it’s an issue that can only be solved with the efforts of the whole community.

Tackling serious violent crime and protecting vulnerable people are among the force’s top priorities and it said it works every day to take weapons off the streets.

It is also increasing its enforcement work to tackle knife crime under Operation Sceptre Essex, part of which is education and intervention.

Insp Deex finished the marathon in three hours and 35 minutes.

He said: “It was an amazing experience and one which I will never forget.

“I’m extremely grateful to everyone who sponsored me, which in turn will support the charity.