REFLECTIONS | TANYA BROWN

Title

What Tanya Brown Taught Me About Turning Tragedy Into Action.

The Story

Tanya founded The Connor Brown Trust after her 18-year-old son was fatally stabbed while trying to help a friend on a night out. Since his death, she has dedicated her life to raising awareness around knife crime and educating others on how to respond in critical situations. Her story is deeply heartbreaking, but told with honesty, empathy, and a powerful sense of purpose.

Opening

I knew about Tanya’s story as her purpose now is to speak out about knife crime. What I was nervous about is having Tanya revisit the night that changed her life forever.

What Stayed With Me

It’s a parents worst nightmare. We raise our kids to be good people, to stand up for themselves and their friends. Connor was doing just that. Being a good friend, a good person and it cost him his life. Listening to Tanya revisit that night was hard to hear.

The Bigger Reflection

So what would you do? Would you confront a situation to help? Would you step in? I think you’ll only ever find out when put in that situation. Most people, incIuding myself, would want to try and forget such a traumatic event, as it would be so painful to be reminded of that night. I have huge respect to Tanya for the work she does.

A Line I Won’t Forget

“Don't throw your life away on a silly mistake”

A poignant final message which I think we can pass on to our kids. It only takes one line or one word to influence a moment.

Closing Thought

We don’t think this situation will ever happen to us. Whether it ends in tragedy or not, taking away the message think before you act, which ever side of the event you are on, can and will change the course of your future. Consequences are real, and as adults we know this because we have lives through it. All we are trying to do is protect and help our kids not make that silly mistake.