Family's heartbreaking tribute to Connor Brown two years on from tragic knife attack

In the early hours of February 24, 2019, the popular and loved 18-year-old was fatally stabbed while enjoying a night out with friends in Sunderland city centre.

The amateur boxer’s heartbroken family have paid tribute to their ‘beautiful boy’ and say time that has not been healing, instead it is a ‘painful reminder’ of all that Connor has missed.

Parents Tanya and Simon Brown have plans to launch a trust in Connor’s name which will aim to support young people through sports and physical activities.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has meant their plans have been continually delayed, they say they are ‘finally seeing a glimmer of light’ at the end of the tunnel.

Connor developed self-discipline and self-confidence through his love and ability for all sports and 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.

Thefamily of the Farringdon lad, who worked as a receptionist at Happy House Surgery, also hope that in telling Connor’s story it may stop one person from taking a knife out with them.

In a touching tribute posted on his memorial page, Connor’s parents said: "It is that time of year again. It’s been two years since our lives changed forever and our beautiful boy Connor was cruelly taken away from us in a cowardly knife attack.

"I miss you more every day. Time has not healed us, time passed is a painful reminder of the things you have missed and that you’re not here.

"My heart breaks without you.

"There are no words to describe the pain that we feel for our beautiful boy every single day. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the plans we had for the trust have been delayed and delayed again, but we are finally seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, and all the work we have put in behind the scenes is coming together.”

"Connor’s death completely shook our local region. All I hope is that after hearing Connor’s story, it may stop one person from taking a knife out with them. There is never a good reason to carry a knife.

"Our family will never be the same again since Connor has gone. His friends have been through it all too. For young men just starting their adult lives to go through such a trauma leaves life long damages to their mental health. The people who witnessed the attack, and those who tried desperately to save him before he was taken to hospital, my thoughts are with you always.

"Thank you for reading and thank you for the never ending support. I say it all the time, but there is really no way we could of coped through this time without you all .It means more to me than words can say.

"Connor – I miss you and love you with all my heart. Our smiler. Forever loved, forever 18.”

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