THE cousin of a man who was stabbed while protecting a group of teenagers has praised his courage and strength.

Michael Campbell, 44, of Southgate, said his cousin, Simon Somerville, 41, from Walthamstow, is improving following the attack and yesterday managed to take a few steps supported by a nurse.

Mr Campbell said: “He's winning the fight. I saw him yesterday and I got a phone call from the hospital today to say he's doing better.”

Mr Somerville remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital after he was repeatedly stabbed in Deptford when he intervened in a fight following an anti-gang seminar.

Mr Campbell added: “He's sent a message to the children he was working with – he said as soon as he's better, he's going to help them with their anti-knife crime work.”

His cousin reportedly put himself between the youths he was working with and a gang in a bid to diffuse the situation.

The former amateur boxer was with his 15-year-old son, Sha, at the time, who ran to get help and remains in shock about the attack, Mr Campbell said.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has been bailed to return to a south London police station.

Mr Campbell, also a boxer, said: “This is his biggest fight. We just want to applaud Simon for his courage – the family all take their hats off to him.”

A fund-raising event to help support him and his family is to be held at the end of this month at the Prince Regent Hotel in Woodford Bridge.

The event is being organised by friends at the KO Gym, in Hatherley Mews, where Mr Somerville trains and where he also ran a boxing course for teenagers.

It will be held on November 28 and will include an appearance from former featherweight champion Colin McMillan.

It will also be attended by representatives from the Seventh Day Adventist Church Mr Somerville was working with in Deptford.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £10 on the door.

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