A campaign to help catch the killer of a teenager who died following a suspected stabbing will be seen by millions of people when the boy’s family take it to Wembley Stadium.
Gordon Gault’s loved ones hope Newcastle United fans - Gordon’s Massive Geordie Army - will take part in a 14th minute clap to mark each year of the youngster’s life.
Gordon, a devoted Magpies fan, died in November, six days after he was slashed on the arm while riding his bike in the Elswick area of Newcastle.
No-one has been charged in connection with his killing, although 14 people have been arrested so far as part of the murder investigation.
His face will be seen on flags and banners by 80,000 people in the national football ground, and millions more on television, on February 26 during the final of the Carabao Cup against Manchester United.
His family have warned the killer that ‘time is running out’ and is urging people to pass information to police while also asking supporters to back their Knives Down campaign to raise awareness of knife crime.
In her post on social media family friend Stacey Marie Wait said: “Gordon was murdered at the young age of just 14 years old and his killer is still at large in Newcastle.
"We are hoping by flooding 80,000 football fans we can raise awareness for more information no matter how big or small
"Please if you know something come forward. Look at that picture and tell me you feel a pang of guilt withholding information from the police?
"His smile gone forever… Gordon no longer has a voice but we all do."
Gordon’s mam, Dionne Barrett, is also backing the Northern Echo’s campaign for action on knife crime and more funding for youth workers to stop youngsters carrying blades.
Read more: The Northern Echo calls on the Prime Minister for urgent action on knife crime
The campaign has so far secured meetings with Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp and Sir Keir Starmer for Zoey McGill,, from Newton Aycliffe, and Tanya Brown, from Sunderland, whose 18-year-old sons, Jack and Connor, died after they were stabbed in separate incidents.
The community of Hexham is still mourning the tragic death of 15-year-old Holly Newton who died last month following an attack in the town centre.
A 16-year-old boy from Gateshead has been arrested and is charged with her murder.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, responding to the Northern Echo’s request for a message to families affected by knife crime, said: “My heart goes out to them, it’s tragic.
“I have two young kids and I can’t imagine one of my kids or any young person losing their life in that way, it’s awful.”
Read more: Open letter to Prime Minister for action on knife crime
Read next:
- Powerful video shows County Durham mum singing to her murdered son on death bed
- Aycliffe mum of Jack Woodley is 'heartbroken' after Tomasz Oleszak stabbing
- Footballers pay tribute to Gateshead teenager
Gordon’s family is now raising money to help fund their campaign and to pay for Gordon’s headstone.
To support the campaign look up Stacey Marie Wait on Facebook and message her directly.
Stacey said: “We are offering all businesses the opportunity to donate a minimum of £20 and in return we will promote their businesses on social media and in and around Wembley on our all our flyers and banners.
“Any small donations from the public are also welcome. This isn’t just about justice, it isn’t just about publicity, it’s about sticking together and helping to raise awareness and protect the future of our own children.
“RIP Gordon … Forever 14.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here