“Very rarely do the type of character Darryl was rehabilitate, this is why I support him, it takes a lot of courage to turn your back on almost everything and everyone you have associated with your whole life, this is exactly what Darryl has done.”

“Darryl’s reputation as a major player on the gang scene of South Manchester proceeded him. Therefore when I was informed of his supposed reform and asked to visit him in prison I was somewhat sceptical. His enthusiasm and desire to help others was evident immediately, but I remained guarded for some time. He has since completely won me over to the extent where I have entrusted him to work with some of the highest risk individuals in society. His diligence and attitude towards his work is commendable. In the relatively brief time Darryl has been out of prison he has developed both personally and professionally into an accomplished individual.

I am fully aware the road has been anything but a smooth one, he has had many downs since his release. There have been times when I have seriously worried that he would stray back towards his previous life but, he has shown tremendous courage and resilience not to let that happen.

I am proud to call Darryl a friend, something I would never have dreamt of 8 years ago.”

I have known Darryl Laycock for over 20 years and acted for him in several serious criminal cases. Since his last sentence I have been incredibly impressed by the turnaround in his life. Darryl is utterly committed to working with young people to keep them away from drugs and crime.

He speaks with real authority, makes a big impact and I wish him every success in this important work.

Chris Daw QC

“Darryl is such an important role model for young people because he has massive credibility with young people as he has actually lived the life that many misguided young people seek to live, having been so deep into that lifestyle it would be easy for Darryl to continue where he left off and he would still gain the respect of these young people, but far from this he actively walks them through “the life” in a non judgemental non preaching informal way which is massively important in gaining the young people’s attention, whilst guiding them toward the right lifestyle choice.

I have worked with young people for 20 years in Toxteth however the delivery that Darryl has and the approach he takes is one that allows him to work with young people who many including myself have thought were too far gone, this is were his credibility and experience comes in and opens doors that very few people can.

Darryl is also rare in that he is massively respected by people within the community,criminal fraternity, and authorities alike, not many people can fulfill a role such as his and still retain excellent trusting relationships with all concerned.

I believe that Darryl will further enhance his work and in turn save many more lives, this is what Darryl does on a weekly basis with not just a preventative angle but with people who are deeply involved and at risk of harming themselves their families and their communities. GOOD LUCK DARRYL YOU DESERVE THIS”

Having spent a little time with Darryl and seeing him present his lived experience at a Conference, it is truly a miracle that he is alive.  Darryl could have easily gone incognito, however, despite the incredibly difficult life journey he has been on the fact that he is so committed to preventing others from going through the same turbulence leads me to believe that he ‘survived to save’ others.

What Darryl has to offer in terms of crime prevention and giving young people hope is unique and could potentially save the lives of some of our future generation. With the statistics for knife and gun crime continually increasing I will certainly be calling on Darryl to work with professionals, young people and their families at the earliest opportunity as his knowledge, advice and expertise could literally save lives.

Donna Sergeant (Children, Young People, Families Worker/Manager for over 25 years)