**Family Overwhelmed by Knife Angel Response as Sculpture Leaves Sunderland**
The Knife Angel, a towering 27-foot sculpture made from over 100,000 confiscated knives and blades, has left a profound impact on the Sunderland community. As the sculpture prepares to leave Sunderland, the family of a local victim of knife crime has expressed their overwhelming gratitude for the response it has garnered.
The Knife Angel, designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre (BIC), serves as a national monument against violence and aggression. It has been on display in Sunderland as part of its tour around the UK, aiming to raise awareness about the devastating effects of knife crime.
The family of Mikhail Hanid, who was tragically fatally stabbed in Sunderland in 2020, has been particularly moved by the community’s engagement with the Knife Angel. Mikhail’s brother, Jubriel Hanid, spoke at a recent event, sharing his personal story and the impact of knife crime on his family. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the community for their support and participation in the various activities organized around the Knife Angel’s visit.
The North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) has been instrumental in coordinating a month of action to coincide with the Knife Angel’s presence in Sunderland. This initiative included educational workshops, art installations, competitions, and community awareness days, all aimed at educating the public about the dangers of knife crime and promoting a message of peace and unity.
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, highlighted the significance of the Knife Angel’s visit. “It’s been a true privilege for Sunderland to host the Knife Angel. We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from the community, as people have engaged with our month of action and even shared personal stories of knife crime and violent crime with our volunteers at the statue,” he said.
The Knife Angel’s presence in Sunderland has sparked important conversations about knife crime, with many individuals coming forward to share their experiences and reflections. These discussions have been a crucial part of the statue’s mission to inspire change and raise awareness about the serious issue of knife crime in the UK.
As the Knife Angel prepares to leave Sunderland, it will be traveling to its next destination, continuing its tour around the country. However, the work to tackle knife crime in Sunderland will not end with the statue’s departure. The North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership will continue to collaborate with police and other agencies to raise awareness, educate the public, and provide support to those affected by knife crime.
The closing ceremony for the Knife Angel in Sunderland was a poignant event, attended by many members of the community who have been touched by the statue’s message. The ceremony began with a memorial ribbon tie on the Grand Pier’s boardwalk, followed by a candlelit procession through the Sovereign Centre and across to the Italian Gardens, where the Knife Angel stood. LED tealights were provided for attendees to carry during the procession, creating a moving and reflective atmosphere.
Speakers at the ceremony included Jubriel Hanid and James Oakley, headteacher of Mendip Green Primary School and a campaigner against knife crime. Their powerful words resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight against knife crime and supporting those affected by it.
The Knife Angel’s visit to Sunderland has left a lasting legacy, with many community members feeling inspired to take action against knife crime. The statue’s presence has not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of unity and solidarity among those who have been impacted by violence.
As the Knife Angel moves on to its next location, the Sunderland community remains committed to addressing the issue of knife crime. The North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership will continue its efforts to educate and support the community, ensuring that the message of the Knife Angel lives on.
In conclusion, the Knife Angel’s visit to Sunderland has been a powerful and transformative experience for the community. The overwhelming response from the public, the heartfelt stories shared, and the important conversations sparked by the statue have all contributed to a greater awareness of the devastating effects of knife crime. As the Knife Angel leaves Sunderland, the community remains united in its commitment to tackling this serious issue and supporting those affected by violence.
Source: North Somerset Council, British Ironwork Centre
