Stabbed teenager remembered with trust fund for troubled youth

The family of Augustine Borrell say his death will not have been in vain, through the establishment of a foundation to help troubled youths.

The Augustine Challenge Trust Fund has been set up after the 17-year-old was fatally stabbed at a party in Auckland City's Herne Bay, on September 8, 2007. Eighteen months on, the unveiling of his headstone this month also coincided with the launch of the new trust.

Augustine's father Charlie Borrell says the trust will look to complete what his son did not have the chance to.

"It was all lined up for him - he was preparing to be successful - working hard at his job, rugby, boxing, he could've been anything he wanted to be," Mr Borrell said.

"Hopefully these kids can finish that and become better people because of August's trust."

The trust fund - registered under the Manukau Community Foundation - is a charitable trust. Its money will go towards helping troubled youth and the development of youth in the Manukau region.

The annual Cook Islands Rugby Tournament in August - run in Auckland - has also been renamed as the Augustine Challenge Cup, in honour of the youngster, who was of Cook Island descent.

Mr Borrell said that although the loss of his son was a tragic result of a "silly" decision, helping steer troubled youths away from a life of crime was a positive. "This is something positive to come out of it," Mr Borrell said.

"August challenges you to make the right choices."

For more information about the Augustine Challenge Trust Fund, go to www.manukaucommunityfoundation.org.nz or phone (09) 277 8832.