Moving Knife Angel sculpture leaves Gateshead after month-long visit in North East

The Knife Angel, a 27ft sculpture crafted out of 100,000 surrendered knives, was unveiled at the Sage last month – but will leave on Friday, February 28 after impacting hundreds of lives during its time by the River Tyne.

The mothers of Connor Brown and Nikki Allan visited the sculpture on the day it was unveiled and spoke out about the impact of crime knife crime has had on their families.

Dozens of schools, youth groups and colleges have also taken part in workshops since the Angel’s arrival in the North East.

More than 1,000 students have been educated on the lasting effects of knife crime and have heard real-life stories from those affected by it.

Alison Madgin was part of the campaign for the Knife Angel to come to the region. Her daughter Samantha was 18 when she was stabbed to death in 2007.

She said: “Through our sessions, even if we have changed just one person’s thoughts on carrying a knife, then it has been a success. No family should have to suffer like we have.

“Seeing the region come together this month, supporting our message and sharing Samantha’s story has been amazing.”

Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “One victim of knife crime is one too many, and understanding what causes people to think they have to carry a knife is critical to tackling the issue.

“We want to get in there and prevent crime tacking place, giving everyone in the region the best chance in life.

“No family should have to suffer as the Madgins have, and through my Violence Reduction Unit, we are working hard to ensure that young people are given a chance to do something with their life. That means finding them alternatives to crime and targeted work on those who are already caught up in violence and gang culture. If we support young people we can reduce crime and save lives.”