Latest news with #Samantha'sLegacy
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Campaigning mum and sister of North East teen stabbed to death receive MBEs
The mum and sister of a teenage girl who was murdered just weeks after the birth of her son have made history after being awarded MBEs together. Alison Magdin and Carly Barrett from Wallsend in Newcastle have spent the last six years delivering thousands of workshops to children between 12-18 as part of their charity Samantha's Legacy. The mum and daughter duo set up the charity in 2019 on what would have been Samantha Magdin's 30th birthday - 12 years after young mum Samantha, 18, was murdered by a 15-year-old as she tried to break up a fight. Samantha Magdin, 18. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)Now, after years of tireless work spreading awareness of knife crime, Alison and Carly have today (June 13) been named in the King's Birthday Honours; both receiving MBE's. But that's not all. They are the first mum and daughter in history to be awarded said honour at the same time - as the pair say the news is more motivation to keep Samantha's Legacy going. Alison, 59, told The Northern Echo: "Carly rang me and asked if my post had arrived, and she asked me if I had got a letter. I didn't at the time, and then she told me that she had been awarded an MBE. Mum and daughter Alison Magdin and Carly Barrett. (Image: ALISON MAGDIN) "I thought it was marvellous news. Turns out there was a bit of a mix up in the post and I got mine a few days later. I sat and cried the whole day, it was so emotional. "I shouldn't be receiving the MBE really, I should have Samantha here. But I will take it - I'll take it for me, my family, everyone who has supported us and for the North East." Alison added that Carly, 34, was "bursting to tell Samantha" the news, but felt she had an "even bigger fire inside her" to keep going. Samantha's Legacy first major breakthrough saw the moving Knife Angel, made out of thousands of blades with an anti-violence message come to Gateshead. The angel remained outside The Sage for the whole of February 2020. Years later, the pair opened Samantha's Retreat in 2022 - a caravan getaway open to families affected by knife crime. They have also been involved in The Northern Echo's Knife Crime task force - bringing together families affected by knife crime from across the North East in a bid to make positive change. Alison Magdin and Carly Barrett, who attended a reception at Number 10 Downing Street yesterday (June 12) as part of the honour. (Image: ALISON MAGDIN) "I have been privileged to be involved with the task force", Alison said. "It is great to see local media supporting the likes of Samantha's legacy to help make change." As for what happens now, Alison and Carly are hoping to take Samantha's Legacy from strength to strength even alongside their full time jobs. Alison still runs a cleaning business, and Carly works at a school, but they dream one day of being able to make the charity their main focus. Alison said: "I put a lot of anger and grief at the time in to finding out what happened to Samantha and why, but as everything unfolded, I realised I needed to do something. Read more: Machetes sold in County Durham as Knife Angel unveiled by knife crime victims nearby Two teenagers arrested on suspicion of attempted murder during knife crime raids Dad of murdered teenager backs North East police forces' crack down on knife crime 'One injury is one too many': Durham Police launches new anti-knife crime campaign Bereaved mum urges people to watch Adolescence on TV to 'realise knife crime problem' "Obviously, we know knife crime has continued, but every time I hear of it happening it gives me more strength and passion to carry on to try and make a difference. "We've been trying to support other families, too, with their own trauma." She added: "The work we do is more important than ever. We are victims ourselves - but I think families affected by knife crime all inspire each other to do work. "My anger had fuelled me to want to stop knife crime. I hope with this MBE more doors can be opened and we can make more of a difference. "We want to work alongside leaders and get them to listen - are they listening now?
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New drama based on true story of young North East mum killed in knife crime
A new drama based on the heart-breaking true story of a young mother who lost her life to knife crime is to open at a North East theatre this month. 'Our Sam' aims to shed some light on the devastating impact of violence on friends and families of victims. It makes its debut at the Whitley Bay Playhouse on January 30 and 31. The powerful drama is based on the life of Samantha Madgin, a new mum who was stabbed to death by a teenage girl after she tried to break up a fight in a Wallsend street in 2007. Samantha, 18, had given birth to her son just 10 weeks before. Samantha Madgin, who was stabbed to death by a teenage girl after she tried to break up a fight in the street in 2007 (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Developed in collaboration with Samantha's family and Wild Roses Theatre, Our Sam dives deep into the emotional aftermath of her death, revealing the impact on her loved ones. The production explores themes of grief, loss, and the unrealised potential of a young life cut short. It also celebrates Samantha's loving, joyful spirit and the profound love she had for her infant son, who tragically only spent 68 days with her. Central to the production is Samantha's Legacy, the charity founded by Samantha's mother, Alison Madgin, and sister, Carly Barrett. The family has worked closely with the theatre company to ensure every detail is true to Samantha's life. The cast of Our Sam in rehearsals for the play ahead of its opening at Whitley Bay Playhouse (Image: SAMANTHA'S LEGACY) In an extremely personal touch, the cast will wear clothing items belonging to Samantha and her late brother Lee, who passed away a decade after Samantha, adding even more emotion to the performance. 'Bringing Samantha and Lee to life on stage in this way is incredibly emotional, but we felt it was important to share their story in a way that truly resonates,' said Carly 'If we can reach even one person and help prevent another tragedy, we will have succeeded. It has been a pleasure to see the cast grow not only with their acting talents but also as people. They have become one big family, and I can't thank them enough for helping this happen.' While Our Sam delivers a sobering message about the consequences of knife crime, it also captures the happier, more tender moments of Samantha's life, offering a powerful and heartfelt narrative for audiences, particularly young people, to reflect on. Most read: 'Potential for a new town' in County Durham if disused railway line is restored North East beach crowned 'UK's best winter walk' - and it's easy to see why The County Durham village branded 'peaceful gem in the heart of the countryside' Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device for just £3 for three months. Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said 'Knife crime is such a difcult topic to tackle but one we mustn't shy away from. 'This production in another example of the awe-inspiring work of Samantha's Legacy – always keeping the conversation about carrying knives going – raising awareness of the dangers, right through to the consequences 'Samantha's story is there to be learned from, and my thanks go to everyone involved in sharing it to help educate others.' Our Sam – A Drama Inspired by the True Story of Samantha Madgin, will be pefromed at Whitley Bay Playhouse on January 30 and 31. Tickets are available now via the Whitley Bay Playhouse website. The cast of Our Sam in rehearsals for the play ahead of its opening at Whitley Bay Playhouse (Image: SAMANTHA'S LEGACY)
