Tributes are pouring in for Patsy McKie, a trailblazing anti-crime campaigner and co-founder of the Mothers Against Violence (MAV) group, who passed away at the age of 77.
A visionary leader in the fight against gun and knife violence, McKie channeled her personal tragedy into meaningful action after losing her son Dorrie to gun violence in Manchester in 1999.
Determined to create a safer community, McKie co-founded MAV, which has been instrumental in addressing violent crime and its devastating impact on families.
Her tireless advocacy earned her special recognition at the 2019 Pride of Manchester Awards, cementing her legacy as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Reflecting on the ripple effects of violent crime during a 2022 BBC interview, McKie said: “You have the families left behind to walk through the rest of their lives—that needs to be brought through to young people because I don’t think they think about that.”
Leaders across Manchester have lauded McKie’s remarkable contributions. Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell called her “a leading figure in the Hulme and Moss Side community” and praised her as “a community leader who really made a difference in tackling gang violence.”
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig described McKie as “a firm advocate for a better Manchester,” and Hulme councillor Lee-Ann Igbon hailed her as “an amazing woman.”
In a heartfelt statement, MAV remembered McKie as “a visionary leader, a true inspiration to us all.”
McKie’s unwavering commitment to peace and justice remains an enduring legacy, serving as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of Black women leading change in their communities.
