His life was cruelly and brutally snatched away from him in a murderous knife attack in which he was defending others from harm. His tragic death left his family, friends and work colleagues distraught and a whole community in shock. In the hours and days after his death, what began to emerge was a picture of a “wonderful young man” who was described as “one in a million.” The sense of shock was soon replaced by an outpouring of grief and tributes to a young man who had clearly touched so many hearts in his community, despite his relatively young years. Tributes flooded in on social media. A Facebook page was set up in his name: ‘Connor Brown Too Loved to Ever be Forgotten’. Scores of messages were written online. Photos of his infectious smile were shared far and wide. He had touched the hearts of so many, even those who did not personally know Connor spoke of how his death had made them feel like they were grieving for him.

There was scores of flowers and tributes left near the scene where the attack took place in Sunderland city centre. Balloon releases took place in his memory and an applause broke out on the 18th minute of the Black Cats’ game against Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light as a mark of respect. Connor followed Sunderland home and away. The club meant so much to him. It was a truly poignant moment to see his face on the big screen with tens of thousands of people clapping for him. Connor had clearly touched so many lives as a son, brother, relative, friend at the football club he played for and, as an amateur boxer, and not least in his work as a Receptionist at the Happy House Surgery. Connor had a real work ethic from a young age, delivering the Sunderland Echo to residents of Farringdon as a young paper boy, to becoming a friendly and popular member of the team as a Receptionist. Connor was described as a real people person who loved his job.

After his death, patients from the Happy House Surgery, along with others, contacted the Echo with gushing tributes and nominated Connor for an NHS Special Recognition Award. They praised his compassion, his witty personality and infectious smile. People said they would never forget his warmth and the time he gave them to listen to their problems and offer help and support in any way he could. Those closest to Connor will never come to terms with this senseless, tragic loss but hopefully, seek some comfort in the knowledge of how much he meant to so many, including those patients at Happy House Surgery. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Connor simply loved him, everyone he met warmed to his charm. He had a fun-filled life and as short as it was, there was never a dull moment with Connor around. He always gave 100% in everything he set out to do and would go to the ends of the earth to help someone, whether that be a stranger or someone he loved.

After the Trial at Newcastle Crown Court in December 2019, his mother Tanya gave a powerful speech on the steps of the courts. She addressed how many lives had been ruined on that night, including those responsible for her son’s death. She stressed that no matter what the circumstances may be, it is never ok to carry a knife. In March 2020, the Connor Brown Trust CIC (Community Interest Company) was set up. It is managed by members of Connors family and friends. As of 2024, we are now a registered charity.

Through the Connor Brown Trust, we want to support young people and their families in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds that would benefit from access to additional opportunities, in the hope that this would prevent them steering towards crime, violence and engaging in criminal activities. We want to support them in becoming more positive members of society. We also want to support victims of violent crimes, as well as their families. We will focus heavily on raising awareness of knife crime and the devastation it causes. We want our younger generation to understand how criminal activity can affect themselves as well as the wider public. We aim to educate the younger generation and make them realise that carrying a knife, using any weapon and committing crimes is never worth the price that is paid.

We will never see Connor walk through the front door again, smile, laugh, get married and have children. We will never again be able to put our arms around him and tell him how much we love him. We will do everything we can to ensure that no other family endures this grief.