Emeli Sande, Jessie J and Ed Sheeran are all set to play a special memorial service for Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered two decades ago in a racially motivated attack. His death galvanised a nation, furthering the cause of equality in the U.K, and heralded the start of the Lawrence Charitable Trust, founded by his mother, Doreen.

Amongst the other star-studded performers set to commemorate Lawrence’s tragic death are Labrinth, Plan B, Tinie Tempah, Rudimental, Rizzle Kicks and Jamie Cullum. The concert will take place at London’s O2 Arena on September 29th. “I would like Stephen to be remembered as a young man who had a future,” explained Doreen. “He was well loved, and had he been given the chance to survive maybe he would have been the one to bridge the gap between black and white because he didn’t distinguish between black or white. He saw people as people.”

She added: “Our aim is to build hope for the future. Justice for Stephen is about all of us, every one of us, in society having justice. I want young people to feel inspired, be confident and have hope in their own future.” Proceeds from the concert will go towards the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.

Last year, two men - Gary Dobson and David Norris - were found guilty of the murder, yet the investigation is still on going. At the time, The Metropolitan Police were criticised for their handling of the case, which lead to them being labelled as institutionally racist in a public inquiry.

Jessie JJessie J is no stranger to charity

Emeli SandeRising star Sande was happy to help