Damilola's killing ruined health of dignified mother Gloria Taylor

Damilola Taylor's death took a terrible toll on his mother's health, from which she never recovered.

Gloria Taylor was diagnosed with high blood pressure shortly after her son was stabbed to death and she suffered a fatal heart attack eight years later, aged 57.

Like the rest of the 10-year-old's family she handled her grief with quiet dignity and never expressed hatred or the desire for vengeance.

The family had come to Britain from Nigeria to find treatment for Damilola's older sister, Beme, who suffered from severe epilepsy.

Despite her condition, Mrs Taylor became an outspoken campaigner for underprivileged young people.

During her work with the Damilola Taylor Trust she said his memory should create "hope, life and opportunity for Britain's downtrodden and underprivileged youth".

"Damilola lost his life because of enormous problems in this society. Our son wanted to be a doctor. He was a leader and we are sure he would have been extraordinary," she said. "We would like the trust to heal many of the ills faced by today's youth."

She collapsed while out walking with her husband in south-east London on April 8, 2008.