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The son of the Yorkshire Ripper's first victim tells the Yalding-based Kenward Trust "Never underestimate the difference you can make!

By: Angela Cole

Published: 00:00, 25 November 2013

Updated: 17:26, 25 November 2013

Roger Bedford, chair of the trustees at Kenward Trust, with Angela Painter chief exceutive, and Paul Da Silva, a former client, now volunteer, with Richard McCann

A five-year-old boy and his older sister walk the fields and streets around their house looking for their mum, who has not come home.
Wearing just pyjamas and coats, little do they know their mother, Wilma, is lying yards from where they are searching and she will forever be known as the first victim of the Yorkshire Ripper.
This heartbreaking scene was conveyed to supporters, staff and volunteers of the Kenward Trust by the boy, who is now 44-year-old Richard McCann.
He told those connected to the Yalding-based charity, which helps those with addictions, that he was able to turn his life around after a devastating start.
Wilma McCann, a prostitute, was killed by Peter Sutcliffe in October 1975. Sutcliffe was jailed for life in 1981 after admitting murdering 13 women and attempting to kill seven more.
The former trucker claimed he was on a divine mission to rid the streets of prostitutes.
Speaking at the launch of the You Can With Kenward campaign, Mr McCann told how he descended via drug addiction and dealing into prison.
But he told the audience: “Never underestimate the difference you can make to someone’s life just by being there and listening.
Mr McCann has worked as an inspirational speaker for the last eight years.

For full story see this week's KM, out now.

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