Tributes have been paid to a ‘visionary’ mother who set up an anti-crime charity after her son was killed.
Patsy McKie set up Mothers Against Violence after her son Dorrie was shot dead in Hulme in 1999, aged 20. He was one of three young men killed within a 10-day period that summer in Manchester.
No-one has been convicted of his murder, but a gun was linked to the crime and two men found in possession of it were jailed for firearms related offences. Patsy, 76, continued to run the charity in the intervening 25 years, providing support and education to help young people avoid gun and knife crime.
Dorrie, who was not involved with gangs and had not been in trouble with the police, had been due to start a college course weeks after his death. In 2019, Patsy won a special recognition award at the M.E.N.’s Pride of Manchester awards.
She received a standing ovation from the audience, and told the M.E.N.: “I just love people because God says we must love one another. If we do then things are going to be changed. That’s what’s really missing from our world more than anything else.”
Her death was announced on the Mothers Against Violence website: A post read: “With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Patsy McKie. who passed away at her home on Thursday 09.01.2025. She was a visionary leader, a true inspiration to us all.
Patsy McKie with BBC presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, who presented her with a Pride of Manchester award
“Her passion and dedication built the foundation of our organisation. She will be forever remembered for her kindness, her unwavering spirit, and her commitment to excellence.
“Patsy’s legacy will live on through the work we do and the values she instilled in us. She will be deeply missed.”
Leader of Manchester council Coun Bev Craig said on X: “Very sad news. Patsy was an outstanding community activist, founder of Mothers Against Violence and a firm advocate for a better Manchester. Her legacy will live on through @MAVMCR – and she will be sorely missed by those who knew her.”
Hulme councillor Lee-Ann Igbon said on X: “Very sad news to hear the passing of my friend & neighbour Patsy Mckie. A community activist who set up @MAVMCR when her son Dorrie was murdered. An amazing woman, thank you Patsy.”
Judges of the Pride of Manchester awards in 2019 said of Patsy: “After her son was shot dead amid spiralling gang violence in Manchester, Patsy set up Mothers Against Violence to help keep other young people safe. Patsy’s youngest son Dorrie was killed in August 1999, weeks before he was due to start a sports and leisure course at college.
“The 20-year-old was not directly involved in gangs, and had never been in trouble with the police. Soon after his death, Patsy co-founded Mothers Against Violence for women whose relatives or friends had been victims, or were at risk of gang violence.
“Now in its 20th year, MAV provides mentoring support, educational awareness of gun and knife crime, counselling and support for young people to find work or start businesses. The impact of the group has been tangible.
“In the year Dorrie died, there were 270 shots fired, 43 gun-related injuries and seven gun murders in Manchester. Figures published last year (2018) revealed that in the North West of England 28 gunshot victims were taken to hospital over the past year – half the number of a decade ago.”