Jonathan ‘JJ’ McPhillips with his daughters

FAMILY and friends of stab victim Jonathan “JJ” McPhillips released red balloons outside his childhood home in Islington during an emotional event to commemorate his birthday.

The father-of-two, who would have been 29 on Saturday, was stabbed outside Islington Assembly Hall in February. He died three days later in hospital.

On Friday, JJ’s cousins and two daughters, Lexi-Jae, 4, and Evie-Rose, 2, sang an emotional song about heaven, “Dancing In the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy, to the 30 people gathered in Milner Square before the balloon release.

The red balloons symbolised JJ’s favourite colour, based on his love of Arsenal football club, and the red London air ambulance whose quick response helped prolong his life.

JJ’s mother Michelle paid tribute to her son and called for an end to knife crime.

“It might surprise a lot of people that I’m not at home, too upset to do this meeting,” she told the gathering. “But I’m no good to my son if I stand back and allow his murderer to walk around free.

JJ’s cousin Kelsey Bannerman with Evie-Rose, Lexi-Jae and their cousin Mason

“By you all being gathered here today, and seeing the red balloons everywhere, I believe I am making a head-start with our community about the awareness of knife crime.”

She added: “I believe my son was killed because he had nothing to fear, as he was not involved in anything. He thought it was safe for him to go forward and help someone he thought was in danger.”

The former Highbury Grove pupil was with a group of between six and eight young men at around midnight on Saturday, February 25, when they were suddenly rushed by six men dressed in hoods and dark clothing.

A 17-year-old, who was in the group with Mr McPhillips, was also stabbed twice but escaped without serious injuries. Seven people have been arrested so far but no one has been charged over the stabbings.

CCTV footage from the night of the stabbing is expected to be released during the next BBC Crimewatch episode on June 12.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call the Met incident room on 020 8345 3775. To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org