The National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) worked in close partnership with INQUEST and the Family Reference Group to host the Shine The Light event held in Lozells, Birmingham on 31st January 2026. Families from the West Midlands were invited to attend the private ceremony.

‘Shine the Light Ceremonies’ are part of wider Unjust Deaths project events that have been held across England, Wales and Scotland. The events focus on connecting families, communities and organisers while remembering those who have died; and to foster community connections and ‘shine a light’ on state-related deaths and killings.

Jodie Anderson from INQUEST spoke about their campaign and lobbying work and the ongoing support of families across the UK. Tippa Naphtali from the NMPMFF gave an update on the important work of the NMPMFF over last five+ years which has included providing affected families with support grants of over £64,000, and co-producing a wide range public and family-only events in UK-wide locations.

Families that were able to attend shared the stories of what happened to their loved ones, and each received a beautiful glass commemorative ‘love heart’ ornament presented by the NMPMFF team.

The attendees enjoyed a light lunch and opportunity to meet and mingle, as well as performances from the amazing, soul-searching and moving voice of Davina Songbird accompanied by her impressive pianist, Ed Simons.

Images from the event;

Here are a selection of photos from the 'Shine The Light' event.

The full interactive and shareable gallery will be available in the new year.

Shine A Light – West Midlands families remembered

See PowerPoint presentation here >

Cameron "CBO" Whelan

Cameron, aged 26, from Birmingham, died after entering the River Avon while allegedly trying to hide in a bid to escape from a police officer giving chase.

Clinton McCurbin

Clinton, a 24-year-old Black man, died of asphyxia in February 1987 while being held down by police officers inside a NEXT store in Wolverhampton. The attempted arrest, based on unproven allegations of credit card theft, had unfolded in full view of the public.

Darren Cumberbatch

Darren, aged 32, from Coventry, died following police restraint, including the use of tasers and batons. A coroner said the level of restraint used was "excessive" and avoidable."

Kingsley Burrell

Kingsley, aged 29, from Birmingham, was detained by West Midlands Police in March 2011 and transported to a Mental Health facility. Later he was restrained and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Keifer Phillips

Keifer, aged 35, from Birmingham, was first sectioned under the Mental Health Act in 2015. On the 18 September 2025 he was found unresponsive. An inquiry into his death has been launched.

Lloyd Butler

Lloyd, aged 39, from Birmingham, was arrested in August 2010 following a call from his family that he was drunk and incapable. In custody he received emergency first aid and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Marcus Meade

Marcus, aged 39, from Worcestershire, was shot and killed following a five-hour standoff on Christmas Eve 2024 after police entered his flat. He was alone and suffering a mental health episode when he was shot.

Mikey Powell

Mikey, aged 38, from Birmingham, was having a psychotic episode when his family called police for help. He died in a police van after being violently restrained by West Midlands Police officers.

Scott Mullen

Scott, from Birmingham, died in HMP Oakwood. His inquest was scheduled by a Coroner (with no disclosure) who would most likely find natural cause of death (heart attack) even though medical records hadn't been examined and a final report not disclosed.

Trevor Smith

Trevor, aged 52, from Birmingham, was shot by police at his home in March 2019. His family said that despite a lawful killing verdict, they had serious concerns about the operation including police conduct, decision-making, and leadership.

Statements from the event partners:

Tiphany Springer, NMPMFF Engagement & Support Co-ordinator, said;

"Affected families often get forgotten once mainstream media stops covering the circumstances surrounding how their loved ones died, which is why holding events such as the Shine The Light ceremony is so important. The ceremony gave families a chance to not only reflect on the events that caused the death of their loved ones with other families who experienced similar circumstances, but also to celebrate their loved ones' lives. Families were able to come together, enjoy live performances from Davina Songbird and receive commemorative keepsakes in honour of those they have lost. Being part of the team that helped bring the event together made the experience especially rewarding and impactful."

Tippa Naphtali, NMPMFF Development & Programmes Manager, said;

"We were delighted to co-produce and deliver this important event and to be part of the wider Unjust Deaths events that have been held in other parts of the country. It is important to us at the NMPMFF that we don’t just ask families to retell the trauma they experienced and continue to experience, but also to celebrate what their loved ones gave in-life – it is so easy to lose the real essence of those lives in the fog of campaigning and media coverage. We are about giving safe spaces for families to come together and heal collectively, and this event certainly delivered on that front."

Jacqueline Greenway and Doug Cave, INQUEST Family Reference Group, said;

"What can we say? This was an invaluable and uplifting event; a safe space to remember our loved ones lost in tragic circumstances, whilst acknowledging that there is still much to do to achieve justice and prevent others going through the suffering we did. Sharing stories, food, and such marvellous live music allowed us to collectively mark the passage of time and re-enthuse us to fight for a better society and changes necessary to birth some good from our sorry experiences. We certainly felt comforted we were not alone. We had found our tribe!"

Jenine Springer, NMPMFF Sessional Finance Administrator, said;

"The Shine a Light event was a heartfelt and powerful tribute to those who have lost loved ones in state custody. Families shared moving tributes that honoured the lives, memories, and personalities of those they’ve lost. Events like this are vital as they give families a space to be heard, to remember, and to support one another. Shine a Light truly lived up to its name by bringing comfort, visibility, and solidarity to a community that deserves ongoing care and recognition."

Jodie Anderson, INQUEST Co-Lead of Casework Team, said;

"INQUEST’s focus on history, education and memory came out of the work we began four years ago marking our 40th anniversary. Since then, events like this Shine The Light, have played an important role in not only restoring dignity to the people who died in custody or following contact with the state, but also remembering and paying tribute to the ways that families and communities have resisted and come together. Bereaved families and people in the Midlands have been at the coalface of injustice for decades. This event created space to bring some of them together, to reflect and share stories, creativity and care.”

See the National Memorial Family Fund's featured events!

"These mark some of our key collaborative events over the last 5+ years, which demonstrates how we have engaged with and supported our member applicants, partners and other stakeholders from across the country." Tippa Naphtali (Founder)

Read full details here >