Southwark News has been recognised for its “powerful tribute” to Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole in the wake of the young Bermondsey man’s death.
We devoted our April 29 front page to 20-year-old Jimi, who died in April after jumping in the Thames to save a drowning woman, and called for him to be given the George Cross, the UK’s highest civilian honour.
The News‘ coverage was included in a year-end list of “powerful front pages driving change on behalf of their readers, demonstrating the enormous power of trusted journalism” by the News Media Association, an industry body for the press.
Inside the paper, we published an in-depth article with tributes from Jimi’s parents and uncle, his former headteacher in Peckham and former employer, as well as from local politicians.
We continued to cover the story as it developed, including the vigil to Jimi on Spa Gardens and the fundraiser for his family, as well as the start of the inquest into the Neckinger Estate man’s tragic death.