"We want to give something back to the city" - Family of Connor Brown launch trust to honour the Sunderland teenager and raise awareness of knife crime

The family of Connor Brown will officially launch a trust to honour the teenager's memory next month as his loved ones plan to turn his tragic death into ‘something positive’.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

His death united the city in grief and the amateur boxer will forever be remembered by all who knew him for his ‘heart of gold’ and ‘infectious’ smile.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now, his family and friends have set up a trust in his name to ‘educate’ young people and raise awareness about the dangers of carrying a knife.

Parents Simon and Tanya Brown have set up a trust in Connor's nameParents Simon and Tanya Brown have set up a trust in Connor's name
Parents Simon and Tanya Brown have set up a trust in Connor's name

The Connor Brown Trust will officially launch on September 14 and mum Tanya Brown says the family wants to ‘give something back’ to the city who have ‘supported them through the darkest of days’.

Tanya said: “We’re all really excited but also very nervous because the trust is something we have been planning for a long time and now it’s finally come together.

"We want to give something back to the city, to all the people who have supported our family through the darkest of days, through the trial and through the grief – Connor has created this platform and now we’re going to turn it into something positive.”

Read More
Two people arrested after residents detain suspected car thieves who were spotte...
Connor Brown is described as having an 'infectious smile'Connor Brown is described as having an 'infectious smile'
Connor Brown is described as having an 'infectious smile'
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Connor, who worked as a receptionist at Happy House Surgery, developed self-discipline and self-confidence through his love and ability for all sports.

It is hoped the trust will be able to offer young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, the same opportunities to help steer them away from crime by giving them goals to achieve and be proud of.

The trust also hopes to support victims of violent crimes and their families.

Connor’s mum said: “We want to get children out and about to encourage physical activity and to tackle things like obesity and problems surrounding mental health.

Special Recognition Award at the South Tyneside & Sunderland Health Awards 2019 awarded to Connor Brown, collected by his parents Simon and Tanya Brown.Special Recognition Award at the South Tyneside & Sunderland Health Awards 2019 awarded to Connor Brown, collected by his parents Simon and Tanya Brown.
Special Recognition Award at the South Tyneside & Sunderland Health Awards 2019 awarded to Connor Brown, collected by his parents Simon and Tanya Brown.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The trust has been set up to educate young people and to raise awareness of knife crime – a split second can change your whole life as well as the family and friends of another, we just want to highlight the dangers of carrying a knife.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

The Sunderland Echo has been on Wearside since 1873, and your support means we can continue telling your stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe.