Elle Edwards Foundation launches new website with Exotic Fruitopia

26-year-old Elle was fatally shot in the head by Connor Chapman while she was standing in the smoking area of the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve in 2022.

Chapman, of Houghton Road, Woodchurch, open fire with a Skorpian sub-machine gun just after 11.50pm.

He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 48 years while his accomplice Thomas Waring was jailed for nine years for helping Chapman burn out a stolen Mercedes used in the shooting.

Following the trial, Elle's dad, Tim Edwards, set up The Elle Edwards Foundation.

Elle Edwards (Image: Merseyside Police)

Mr Edwards set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help families affected by gun crime while raising awareness about anti-gun and knife crime across the world.

In a video posted on social media last year, he said: "We want people to feel like there is a place they can come to and speak to someone who has gone through what they're going through and help them.

"I want to keep Elle's name alive. I want to make sure that her name is mentioned every single day and it's used in a positive way."

Mr Edwards continued to say he wants to "create a hub for hope, support and strength". 

The new website

Last week, the foundation officially launched its new website with its partner, Exotic Fruitopia.

Exotic Fruitopia allows members to adopt nut trees on their farms.

Elle Edwards (Image: Merseyside Police)

By adopting a tree (or trees) through Exotic Fruitopia, you will be supporting the Elle Edwards Foundation for the next 10 years of Exotic Fruitopia harvests.

This one-time tree adoption will provide a decade of support to those affected by gun violence.

Anastasia Bezerianou, CEO of Exotic Fruitopia said: "At Exotic Fruitopia our commitment to giving back extends beyond providing exceptional fruits and financial opportunities.

"We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment, our community and the world at large. This commitment is woven into the fabric of Exotic Fruitopia and included in the company statute.

"Exotic Fruitopia is proud to announce a partnership with the Elle Edwards Foundation. We will be joining the foundation as an ongoing joint venture in making a difference to people’s lives who have been affected by serious violent crimes such as gun and knife crimes, by raising awareness and providing solutions.

"Exotic Fruitopia has dedicated 31,500 nut trees to be adopted in the name of the Elle Edwards Foundation, with a percentage of the money raised by trees adoptions and a percentage of the profits generated by the adopted trees over a ten-year fruition period, going directly toward helping the foundation achieve its goals.

"Remembering wonderful individuals such as Elle Edwards and advocating for change not only honours their memory but also contributes to the broader goal of creating safer communities. Exotic Fruitopia is excited to be working alongside the Elle Edwards Foundation to support meaningful causes that positively impact lives."

The foundation will provide:

• Access to a team of professional therapists that will be available from the earliest opportunity to help get families and victims through some of the most traumatic times they will ever have to experience.
• Physical activities to include various sports tailored to what people need whether it be traditional sports such as football,rugby, boxing or more diverse activities that will include mountaineering, mountain leader courses to obtain a recognised qualification as a mountain leader.
• The creation of a supportive hub where people will feel safe and be able to come and talk to people who have gone through the same situation as they are experiencing.

You can visit the website here.