21 for 21
21 Promises for Charlie
On 28th October 2026, Charlie 'Cheeks' Cosser would have turned 21. He was a fun loving, cheeky 17 year old with a passion for football, a groundkeeping apprenticeship he loved, and a lads holiday just days away. On 22nd July 2023, he went to a house party in West Sussex and never came home.
To mark what would have been his 21st birthday, we are launching 21 for 21 — a fundraising and awareness campaign running throughout October in Charlie's memory, honouring the life he should have had.
Twenty-one is a milestone Charlie never reached. He was just one of many young lives cut short by knife crime. 21 for 21 unites us in remembering them, bringing together fundraising, awareness and prevention to help ensure that fewer families ever have to experience the heartbreak of knife crime.
21 ways to get involved
Active challenges
-
Walk or run 21km collectively
-
Complete 21 laps of a local park, track, or field
-
Take on 21 press-ups, sit-ups or star jumps each day
-
Reach 21,000 steps as a group or team
-
Hold a 2.1km fun run
Creative ideas
-
Create a wall of 21 promises
-
Write 21 poems, stories or reflections
-
Produce a campaign video with a 21 theme
-
Create a display about making
positive choice
-
Organise a 21-song danceathon
Fundraising ideas
-
Casual dress day linked to the campaign
-
Wash 21 cars
-
Hold a bake sale featuring 21 treats
-
Raise £21 per team or household
-
Challenge colleagues or members to complete a "21" challenge of their choosing
Awareness activities
-
Hold a 21-minute sponsored silence
-
Create 21 knife crime awareness posters
-
Share 21 positive messages around
the community
-
Complete 21 acts of kindness
-
Invite a friend to make their own Promise for Charlie
The possibilities are endless, create your own
"21 for 21" challenge and inspire others to get involved.
How you can get involved
Our vision is for supporters of all ages to take on a 21-themed challenge throughout October, sharing it on social media to amplify our message and reach as many people as possible
We believe we can make it something truly impactful and far-reaching. We warmly encourage schools, youth groups, sports clubs, families or anyone in the community to get involved and be part of something special. Supporters can take on any ‘21-themed’ challenge regardless of location or physical ability.
Register for the
21 for 21 Challenge
Please fill out the '21 for 21 Challenge Registration Form" to register your school, group or yourself to be part of the 21 for 21 challenge for this October.
By signing up, you are making your promise to Charlie and joining others across the UK taking a stand against knife crime. We can't wait to see what you do!
21km for 21 funrun
Join us at Merrist Wood College on 24–25 October for a special community walk/run in memory of Charlie, celebrating what would have been his 21st birthday. Take on the challenge of completing 21km or choose one of our shorter routes.
More details coming soon!