Led by the family of Scott Akester, who died age 31 after a single punch from a friend on a night out, ‘One Punch Hull’ was set up to honour his memory by raising awareness of the risks of one punch attacks and the devastating impact that split-second acts of violence can have on families.

Channelling their grief into positive actions, Scott’s parents Debbie and Steve Akester, along with his partner Naomi, aim to educate people on the risks of violence with the message to ‘stop, think, and walk away from an argument or a fight.’ They also offer their support for other families who are going through similar situations.

In recent months, the family have started visiting both primary and secondary schools to share their story with younger audiences. On Tuesday, 16th April, Scott's mum, Debbie, spoke to Year 7 students at Withernsea High School. 

Reflecting on the importance of sharing the family’s story with young people, Debbie said: “It’s so important that young people hear our story because people don’t realise how dangerous one punch can be and the impact that it can have. I think there’s a lot of peer pressure in schools and I hope that if children get the opportunity to listen to our talk and understand what’s happened to us as a family, and the risks associated with punching out, then hopefully it will change behaviours in the future - particularly as they go into adult life. If they can think back and remember our story, that could hopefully make a difference.”

Withernsea’s students listened intently as Debbie recounted the harrowing details of Scott’s death, including the unexpected punch from a friend that caused Scott to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement – causing devastating injuries.

Among those attending the talk was Year 7 student Bessie Shearsmith, who said: “I think it’s really important for her [Debbie] to visit schools because there will be a lot of young people who don’t realise the consequences of one punch attacks. Her telling her story teaches people that you do sometimes need to back down, walk away and don’t get involved.” 

Fellow student Dylan Fletcher added: “Scott’s family have lost someone who was really important to them. It’s really sad that it happened as he seemed like a nice guy as well.” 

Assistant Headteacher, Matt Burnitt, said: “Debbie has experienced first-hand the profound impact of losing her son to senseless violence and it was a privilege to welcome her to the school where she shared her personal story with our students, offering a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of violent behaviour.

“We believe that hearing from those directly affected by such tragedies can have a profound effect on young people, fostering empathy, understanding, and a commitment to non-violence. At Withernsea High School, we unequivocally condemn the use of violence in any form and for any reason. This visit aligns with our ongoing efforts to educate our students about the importance of respect, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution.

“I’m very proud of our Year 7 cohort who really engaged with Debbie and asked compassionate questions about Scott, his family, and the impact that his loss has had on them all. By reinforcing the message that violence is never an acceptable solution to conflict, we can work together to cultivate a culture of mutual respect and understanding.”

The family’s story began when Scott died from a one punch attack in 2022. The devastation caused by a friend, punching him hard when he wasn’t expecting it, caused Scott to fall and hit his head on the pavement – causing injuries too severe to survive. 

Remembering the night it happened, Debbie said: “It was a Friday night and Scott’s four-year-old daughter, Ella, was staying over at ours. We were all in bed when, at about 1.00am, we could hear a telephone ringing and it was the police trying to get hold of us to let us know that Scott had been in a serious altercation.”

After being picked up by the police and driven to the hospital at high speed, Scott’s dad, Steven, began to understand the gravity of the situation. “I started thinking to myself ‘something’s not right here’ and I started to panic a bit. I arrived at the hospital and Naomi, his partner, was already there.

“I was met by another police officer, a detective if I remember rightly, and they took me through to see Scott who was all wired up and as soon as I saw him, I knew something wasn’t right. He was all tubed up and it just didn’t look like Scott. It was just like a shell. The police officer told me how serious it was and that they didn’t think he was going to pull out of it. It was heartbreaking when I saw him.”

Reflecting on when she first knew there was something seriously wrong, Scott’s partner, and mother of his four-year-old daughter, Ella, said: “I remember thinking ‘it won’t be that bad – it’s Scott’. He was a big lad and he was like my security, so something like that couldn’t happen to him – that’s what I was thinking. Then, at the hospital, they [the doctors] told us there was no reaction to any of the tests. I think that’s sort of when it all just goes into a blur for me.”

Steve continued, “It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was scared and I started panicking about Ella. The doctors said there was nothing that they could do. It was just the way he’d fallen and there was no way back for him. When you actually look at that situation, there’s something inside that just leaves you - it’s like something’s missing. He was my only son.”

Debbie added, “To think that we went into hospital and Scott was still alive, then to leave the hospital basically with a memory box – it was just awful.”

The family’s advice for anyone who finds themselves at risk of a physical confrontation is simple: “Stop, think and walk away. Think about our story. If it can happen to Scott, it can happen to anybody. Don’t let this happen to you. If you get into a position where you feel intimidated or anything like that, just walk away. At least you’re there the next day. Don’t go through what we’ve been through.”

Since the launch of One Punch Hull, Scott’s family are determined to prevent anyone else from experiencing what they’ve been through. A continuing programme of engagement events is set to expand in the months ahead, with colleges, apprenticeship providers and workplaces all making contact with the charity to facilitate talks at their organisations.

Meanwhile, in partnership with Hull 01482 – a group of photographers and videographers who aim to collectively celebrate ‘the soul of Hull’ through creativity – the One Punch Hull team have organised a ‘Talk and Walk’ event on Sunday, April 28^th, to help raise awareness for the charity. Participants will meet at the Hessle Foreshore car park at 11am for the start of the walk across the Humber Bridge, taking the group to Barton and back. All are welcome to attend.

For further information about One Punch Hull, please visit their website: www.onepunchhull.com or find them on Facebook, search: ‘One Punch Hull’.

The charity provides:

Awareness: Awareness of the dangers of one punch assaults and the heartbreaking devastation that follows. Through first-hand experience, the team are passionate about getting the message out to everyone that a split-second decision to throw a punch can change lives forever.

Education: The team are available to deliver presentations to support awareness on the risks of one punch attacks and the impact on family and friends through educational talks to help everyone understand the risks, what alternatives there are when you find yourself in that position, and how to deal with peer pressures around fighting and throwing needless punches - to educate everyone there are other options.

Support: Helping those who need them most, including those affected by the impact of a one punch assault who may want to talk to a family who has been in their position.

ABOVE: Debbie Akester, Scott’s mother, visited Withernsea High School to share her first-hand experience of the devastation caused by one punch violence.

ABOVE: Year 7 students listened intently as Debbie told them about Scott’s life, and the night that changed their family forever.

ABOVE: Scott Akester, who died age 31 as a result of a split-second act of aggression from a friend. 

ABOVE: The ‘One Punch Hull’ logo.