Murder victim's father in film message of hope

The father of a woman who was shot outside a pub is aiming to spread a message of hope with a documentary following his walk across the country in the aftermath of her death.

Elle Edwards was killed outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral, on Christmas Eve 2022, when she was struck by two stray submachine gun bullets.

The 26-year-old was an innocent bystander when Connor Chapman opened fire as he targeted two men in the culmination of a gang feud.

Her father Tim Edwards then joined Liverpool actor John May in his walk from Lands End to John O'Groats as part of a campaign to end gun and knife crime.

Mr Edwards, 53, met the comic in Worcester, but ended up accompanying him all the way to the top of Scotland. He later travelled down south to complete the first leg of the walk.

Two years on from their challenge, documentary The Two Of Us is to be screened at the Raindance Film Festival, which starts in London on Wednesday.

Mr Edwards said: "You'll see that when times get really tough, as long you keep going and you keep having that little bit of hope and a bit of strength behind you, and the willingness to carry on and never give up, then you will come out alright the other side."

He took on the walk before the trial of gunman Connor Chapman who was jailed for a minimum of 48 years after being found guilty of Ms Edwards' murder.

Mr Edwards said: "I've been through the worst hell you can imagine, there's not a lot else that could really turn me."

For Mr Edwards, the documentary is part of his aim to create a positive legacy for his daughter.

He said: "It was always about keeping Elle's name alive.

"So whenever Elle's name was mentioned, it would be mentioned in a positive way and not about what happened to her.

"That was the goal and still is, it will always be the goal."

Mr May, 43, who produced the feature-length documentary, said he hoped people would be inspired.

The actor said the film is "about brotherhood more than anything I'd say."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.