A WREXHAM family has been recognised as a pivotal part in the creation of a fearsome monument aiming to get people talking about the horrors of knife crime.
Knife Angel artist Alfie Bradley of the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry designed the touring artwork to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and to solidify critical need for social change.
The monument stands at 8.2m (27ft) tall, weighing 3.5 tons, and is made from over 100,000 seized knives and weapons collected from all 43 Police Constabularies across the UK.
Members of the public gathered alongside dignitaries, politicians and police officers to mark the official opening of the monument in Queens Square on Friday afternoon.
The Leader has reported many times in recent years on the hard work of anti-knife campaigner Danny Maddocks, whose 34-year-old brother Craig was murdered in a knife attack at the Cambrian Vaults pub, Wrexham, in June 2013.
Danny was one of several people to receive a certificate at the opening ceremony - recognising his positive impact on Wrexham in the area of anti-knife campaigning.
And in a speech by Clive Knowles, chairman of the British Ironwork Centre, Danny and his family were cited as the 'inspiration' behind the towering monument now known all over the UK.
Mr Knowles said: "When we first embarked on this project, we were inspired by a local family from Wrexham, and that was the Maddocks family.
"They really inspired us to make a big effort in ensuring the Angel did a job - and the job was intended to inspire change and address violent behaviour."
Wrexham Mayor Brian Cameron, who officially opened the monument, said it served as a "sobering reminder" of the impact knife crime and violence can have on society.
Danny attended the ceremony with his mum Edna and sister Lisa - and years previously, all three welded a knife onto the Angel, with Danny having engraved his brother's name on his.
READ MORE: The Knife Angel arrives in Wrexham
They told the Leader they wanted to urge young people not to be tempted to carry blades.
Edna said: "Don't do it.
"The knock-on effect it can have on families, friends, brothers, sisters - it never goes away."
She added it was "weird" to see the statue come to her community and said coming to terms with what happened to her son is still difficult.
Lisa added: "They (those carrying knives) don't think about the impact it can have on families - they really don't.
"They think carrying it around is going to protect them, but it doesn't."
Wrexham Inspector Luke Hughes said: "The reality is, you don't need to carry a knife to defend yourself on the streets of the United Kingdom.
"To carry one 'just in case' is not realistic.
"Having that weapon with you and being in a confrontation could lead to really tragic circumstances - simply don't do it."
Reflecting on the monument, he added: "There's no denying it is a very impressive sculpture but the thing to remember is the reason this exists - to allow dialogue and discussion about the horror of knife crime and how it affects communities.
"While Wrexham doesn't have a specific issue with knife crime, I am not saying we have not been touched by it.
"It is good to have the Angel here to prompt that discussion."
READ MORE: Anti-knife campaigner Danny Maddocks' plea to parents
Danny Maddocks said: "I have been campaigning against knife crime after losing my brother nearly nine years ago - and it is emotional to see the Angel here in Wrexham, but it brings that fear of knife crime.
"Every knife on that Angel has been given in or taken by police off the streets.
"When you look at that, you can just see how many more blades could have been in our communities.
"We need to keep tackling this. Don't think that when the Angel goes, knife crime has gone away.
"We need to keep going."
Mr Maddocks works with North Wales Police and the Youth Justice Service to educate students about the dangers of knife crime.
And despite a pause in the activities during the covid pandemic, he is hopeful that the sessions may soon continue.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: "I am really pleased Wrexham is hosting the Knife Angel this month, especially with hate crime awareness week fast approaching.
"It is about conveying the message of what positive things can come from raising awareness."
Speaking to the Leader after the opening ceremony, Mr Knowles said: "For us, Wrexham is our neighbour - so this was essential.
"Going back to 2014 or 15 when it was being built, the Maddocks family gave us an awful lot of encouragement.
"Listening to their story, and having them come in to inscribe a blade - which is now on there - they were pivotal."
Guy Vine, of Wrexham Youth Justice Service, said: "It has been a long time coming and to see it in Wrexham now is fantastic.
"The message about anti-violence is crucial - but it's also about reassuring the public that Wrexham is a safe place to live.
"Thankfully we don't have a problem - and we want to keep it that way."
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