He was a popular and much-loved teenager who had everything to live for.
But Owen Kerry’s life was cruelly snatched away last Christmas after he was stabbed in Cramlington Working Men’s Club.
Brian Cahill plunged a knife up to its hilt into Owen’s stomach, which cut through his aorta and caused heavy hemorrhaging.
The 19-year-old’s friends watched on in horror as he collapsed by the bar after what prosecutors said was a cowardly attack.
Just 20 minutes into Christmas Day, Owen was pronounced dead at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
Over the last year his parents, Keith and Rachel, have struggled to come to terms with losing their “funny and cheeky” son.
But it was in those dark days of heartache that his family and friends pledged to help others.
Rachel, 38, said: “Owen had 13 pints of blood given to him by the doctors after he was stabbed, so after he died we and his friends started to donate blood.
“We originally set the target of giving the 13 pints back but we’re over 100 pints now, which have been donated in his name.
“If someone donated blood to save somebody’s life and they did that because of Owen then that’s a positive thing.”
Owen’s parents also started raising money for the Northumbria Blood Bikes, which provides an out-of-hours night and weekend service delivering blood products to North East hospitals.
So far they’ve raised more than £4,600 for the group.
Kirsty Lawrence, Northumbria Blood Bike’s publicity officer, said: “We are always in need of funding to help run our vital service, which operates 365 days a year.
“We are very grateful that we have been chosen as recipients of Owen’s memorial fund.
“From the family’s tragic loss they are enabling us to be able to contribute to saving lives of others.
“The money raised will help to keep our fleet on the road.”
To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search ‘Owen Kerry’.