TO PAY TRIBUTE TO PAT REGAN, CLICK HERE. WE'LL PUBLISH THE LOT.

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An amazing, passionate lady who fought to make a difference, hope her work continues.

Tina x

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Among those paying tribute were Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, Leeds MP Hillary Benn and Mrs Regan's son Shane.

Mrs Regan's other son Danny was shot dead in St Helens, in Merseyside, on December 12 2002.

After his death, she campaigned to stop gun crime and set up her own organisation, Mothers Against Violence, in Leeds.

Speaking through tears, her eldest son, Shane, said that his mother's death had shaken the family to the core.

He said: "She had dedicated her life to stopping violence like this. She was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet.

"What has happened has come as a massive shock to all of us and we're just trying to piece together in our heads what has gone on."

The devastated 35-year-old from Leeds, added: "I'm heartbroken that she's not here anymore. I just can't believe it - none of us can. She died for what she believed in and what she was trying to stop.

"All of the family helped her out as much as we could, she was the best. She represented our family and she represented the struggle against violence."

Dee Edwards, a co-founder of campaign group Mothers Against Murder and Manslaughter, said Mrs Regan would visit schools and give talks about the dangers and consequences of getting involved in crime and carrying weapons.

Mrs Edwards said: "She's made such a big difference to so many people's lives. This is an absolute tragedy for so many people."

Her voice breaking with emotion, Mrs Edwards said she had known Mrs Regan for about six years and was shocked by the news of her death.

She said: "It's just the most dreadful news for everyone. She's just an amazing woman.

"She was the most incredible woman.

"We just love her to bits, she's just an incredible lady, I just can't take this in."

She continued: "She's open, she's honest, she's got a massive heart, she helped so many people."

Mrs Edwards said she believed Mrs Regan's daughter suffered from mental health problems and had a younger boyfriend with similar problems.

She said: "We were terrified something like this would happen to her."

Lucy Cope, the founder of Mothers Against Guns, echoed Mrs Edwards' tribute.

She said: "Pat Regan was an amazing lady. She didn't have a bad bone in her body or a bad word to say about anybody.

"I was honoured to be her friend."

She added: "She was an amazing lady and touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

"All the mothers have been on the phone this morning crying, all heartbroken. A part of us has been taken. It's just horrendous."

Talking about Mrs Regan's campaigning work, Mrs Cope said: "Everybody honoured Pat Regan for her courage, her devotion against gun crime and for peace in Leeds.

"Every single time another family went through the tragedy of gun crime in Leeds, Pat Regan knocked on that door and held the hands of the mothers.

"She will never be forgotten, never."

Mrs Cope said her friend's children and grandchildren "were her life".
She said: "She doted on her children. She was a devoted grandmother and mother."

Mrs Regan's friend Sylvester Johnson, 74, said he believed that she had been stabbed.

Standing outside the block where she was killed, Mr Johnson said: "My feeling is one of utter shock.

"I was in my bed when my friend rang and said she was dead. At first I thought it was natural causes but I've come here today and found out she was stabbed.

"I can't believe it. I don't think the community can take it in."

Mr Johnson said Mrs Regan was a "quite remarkable young lady".

He said: "Since her son died, she campaigned more for the better. She didn't want any young people to get caught up in the trouble that her son got caught up in.

"She was very brave and I don't know of anyone who would have a grudge against her."

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith added her tribute to Mrs Regan.

She said: "I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic death of Pat Regan this weekend.

"I had met Pat on several occasions and had been greatly impressed with her dedication to tackling gun crime.

"Pat worked tirelessly and achieved a great deal for the voluntary organisation Mothers Against Violence, going into schools and educating young people on the dangers of joining gangs and carrying weapons. Her death is a great loss."

Hilary Benn, MP for Leeds Central and Environment Secretary, added: "She made a huge impression on me and on everyone she met. She was determined to do all she could to stop any other mothers going through the pain and suffering that she experienced when her son Danny was killed."

He continued: "Her passionate belief that things did not have to be this way shone through in everything she did. It is why she will be greatly missed."

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, said: "I am stunned to hear about Pat's death, this is a tragedy for her family and also for the community which she worked so hard to contribute to here in Leeds.

"I had the privilege to work with Pat on a number of community projects and in support of her amazing work with Mothers Against Violence, with which she achieved so much.

"She was such a down-to-earth person, who managed to have a great sense of warmth and humour despite the tragedy that she suffered when she lost her son Danny to gun crime.

"She was an inspiration to people not only here in Leeds but also to people up and down the country with her tireless campaigning. She will be a real loss to the community she loved and to the campaign she set up and championed."


YOUR TRIBUTES

UPDATED JUNE 5


RIP Pat, you will never be forgotten.

Rose & Yolanda

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We are all so upset at the loss of Pat Regan I can only say that she was a real angel in disguise, spreading nothing but love.
She was a true candle in the wind.
We pray to God that her good work continues, in loving memory of a wonderful women who Touched many lives.

Rest In Peace

With love The Smithen Family

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Wonderful woman - will be very sadly missed by everyone. It is such a shock.

Carole and family

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On behalf of all staff and young people at the Burley Park Centre, I would like to express our sincere sympathies at the loss of an angel.
Pat visited our centre only 3 weeks ago and gave one of her amazing, inspirational talks about her personal story. She cleverly tailored her speech to the extent to which it had a personal impact on every individual listener, discussing not only gun and knife crime, but the drug world, intimidation, bullying, and racism. Her audience, some as young as twelve were captivated by her drive and determination to put an end to the horrors that so many of us have become victims to. Pat was then kind enough to stay and have lunch with us, securing the relationships with our students with an aim to become a familiar face at the centre. Her last words to me were 'Just give me a ring Sis, and I'll come back anytime'.

It has been an honour to have met and conversed with such an amazing woman. She touched the lives of so many, and has enabled some of our young people to take a positive step in changing their own attitudes towards crime.

May You Rest In Peace

Melanie Hixon Burley Park Centre

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Pat, you were an inspiration. Your humour, support and 'can do' attitude will be sadly missed.
Your spirit and love for people shone through and you were so proud of all your family and our love goes to them.
Young people respected you as did your colleagues who appreciated your no nonsense approach to the issues of weapons and how to get the message across to our young people and parents.

One of the brightest lights in Leeds has gone out, thank you for all you love, help and for the laughs as well as the tears that we shared.

Claire Hellawell and Sarah Hutchinson

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I only learnt yesterday, June the 5th, about the shocking tragedy of Pat's death. I never met her in person, but I'm a close friend of her son Shane and know through him what a brave woman and mother she was and what an inspiration she was to him and to numerous more people that met or spent time with her.

May her legacy and her efforts live on, may all of her family find peace in these devastating times, my heart goes out to you, and may Pat be amongst angels with God.
Much love and peace, Maria Jardardottir, Leeds

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Community Heroine.

As a member of the Leeds Community, we know that Pat was on a mission to do something positive about the Violence involving Gun and knife crimes effecting our communities, which a lot of us would not do because our conflicting elegancies and fear of repercussion from the very same communities she was wanting help.

We all know she was doing the right thing, which was reflected by the turn out of 100's people showing their respects last night at her vigil. Despite the lack of support from the local authorities, the government and the wider community Pat Regan continued to do presentations / workshops to the Police Forces, schools and other community groups she struggled to secure finances for her work and probably paid for most of what she did out of her own pocket and time.

If something good can come out of this ever so SAD episode, then its time for the powers that be, to put up the finances to continue her work so that it can be part of her legacy. PEACE.

Jeff WALWYN

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I remember the day you came to our school and spoke about knife and gun crime. I remember thinking it would be like every other story on the news but the way you spoke about your son and the effects hit me harder than anything else I've ever experienced.

I remember when we watched the video and you kissed your locket containing a picture of your son and it caused me to cry, just because I know how much you loved your son and I was so proud of what you'd been doing

I know it wasn't only me; some of the toughest people in my year were in tears and promised to stop their aggressive behaviour, something teachers have tried to stop for years, yet you changed their attitudes in a matter of hours, you truly were amazing. It was a great honour to be in your presence and I hope your legacy continues. Rest in Peace.

Manisha

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From the entire Grey Family,
we extend our deepest and sinceres
condolcolecs to the whole entire
Regan family.
Pat, was a wonderful Queen
who always conducted her
self Class and dignity..
Rest in Peace Dear Pat.

h.grey. (New York, USA)

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I feel so, so lucky and proud to have known Pat...who could forget her honesty,passion, compassion, enthusiasm,warmth, hugs and massive smile. She was an true inspiration!!
Who could close their ears and heart to her tireless, and sometimes painful fight to make the world a better place.
Pat was an amazing, amazing woman!
My deepest sympathies are with her family and closest friends..such a massive loss.
Take care Pat...peace be with you

Sandie. Leeds.

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Devastating news and an absolute travesty. Pat I can still hear you amazing laugh and see your beautiful smile. Thank you for being such a good friend to me and Billie when we were in Leeds. You were truly one in a million. My heartfelt condolences to all your family. Never ever forgotten.

Love from Scottish Lisa and Billie now living in Cambridge.
(Could someone please telephone with funeral details 01223 528912)

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A true tragedy! Pat provided myself and many others with inspiration. Peace to Pats family, Hyde Park and the wider community.

Lee Ingham

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It's just so,so sad!
Pat, an amazing,honest,caring,passionate,funny, outspoken and committed woman...Once met, never forgotten!! May her fight continue.

My heart goes out to all of Pats family and close friends...

Take Care, Sandiexx

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RIP Pat
A truly great lady
PEACEANDLOVE to the family

PLEASE let us all not let this lady die in vain!!!

Malcolm Lewis
Leeds

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From one mother to another may your great work carry on, and one day hopefully things can be different rest in peace.

Lisa

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This is such sad news. I was priveleged to work with Pat when we were both part of the Neighbourhood Learning project.

Her compassion, straight talking and wicked sense of humour made her a fantastic person to have around. It also made her an instant hit with the people she worked with, for example the Halton Moor Woomen's Group, who I know will also be grieving her loss.

I would like to send all my sympathies to her family and friends around Hyde Park and beyond. She will remain an inspiration to me, as I know she will to others for many years to come.

Rest in peace Pat.

Damian, Bolivia.
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Such sad news about such an amazing woman. What a loss for her family and the wider community too. I feel lucky to have known Pat, her optimism and energy were so inspiring. I hope her good work comtinues.

Lucy

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Pat I can't believe this has happened to you. You are the most robust and fantastic person I know and have dedicated your life to so much good. I know you weren't always as happy as you seemed but you kept a brave face on for the sake of everyone else. I also know you were on the verge of getting the help you deserved for all your good work so this is a double tragedy. I am so, so sorry it had to be this way. I don't know what to say. I love you. Sleep well.

Jess xxxx

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Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Regan family, Pat was wonderful women who fought hard for what she believed in, she will be sadly missed.

Rest in peace Pat xxx Goodnight and god bless love Sammy and Jules

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Danny Meeson and Family, You will always be missed and never forgotten may our thoughts be with you all the way love u always your GodSon Danny Meeson xxxxx R.I.P PAT Love You xxxx

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There was no mould to break with pat, she was handmade by god. A true 1 off

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r.i.p pat thoughts are with the family
love
philty xxxxxxx

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Pat was a breath of fresh air.
The warmth she spread to everyone she met will be remembered dearly.
I only hope that the work she has done over the last 6 years continues in her honour.
She will be truly missed but will always remain in our hearts.

Miss A rose x

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Pat was a wonderful, inspirational and amazing woman. Despite her own personal tragedies she devoted her life to the benefit of young people and to trying to stop the violence that is spreading throughout our country. We had the privilege of having Pat as a friend as well as a work colleague, and a raymond from Don't Trigger' said, not a champagne campaigner, she was out there doing it from grass roots and making a difference. The governmnt made lovely tributes to her and ask that we carry on with her work, we will in her memory but its a shame they didn't champion this woman more while she was still with us. One in a million,million Pat, honest, devoted, special, warm and funny and we are struggling to believe you are here with us know more, but you will always be in our hearts. Love to you and all your family

Dee Edwards Co-founder, Mothers Against Murder and Aggression

ps Knife and gun crime is everyone's business, not just the mothers who campaign without funding or help, but the responsibility of govt, teachers, parents, siblings, police, judges (oh the judges) and whole communities. We are organising a March on July 19th in London to ask that everyone joins together to say that Enough really is Enough, this march is for Pat, and for her we want everyone there. More details will be added to our website soon at www.mamaa.org or email us at dee.warner@btinternet.com

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I worked with Pat at CASAC on the Weapons Awareness Project. When she would speak to young people about the impact of carrying knives or guns she had such an impact - you could see in their faces that she had made a difference. Pat's commitment and tireless energy was fantastic and I know that she leaves a big gap in the community.
God bless Pat,

Amy Bell

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Rest in heaven Pat
All our love and deepest sympathy to your family

Dudley & Tasha xxxxxx

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Pat you really helped when he was down thank you so much for everything you ever did for me xxxxx

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Sending my deepest sympathy to all the family, thinking of you at this sad time...peace and guidance always.linda Duffield and family.xxx

Linda Duffield

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Condolences to your family at this very sad time,Pat will be very sadly missed.
From all at Multiple Choice Leeds.

Liz Sunderland

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Such a sad ending for such an inspirational Lady
I never had the pleasure to meet Pat but I feel as if I have lost a life long friend, my heart felt sympathy goes to her family Hold your heads up high and always remember she was our Lady of West Yorkshire if not the Country REST IN PEACE PAT

Lynda Bosomworth

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Pat, you were amazing! It's unbelievable that such a thing could happen to you – an Angel. Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.

Deepest sympathy to the family, our thoughts are with you.

Isola, Leesah & Kobie. x

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"I bumped into Pat a few times. Once I met her while I was at BBC with an asylum seeker from Darfur who was doinga radio interview and when I introduced her to him she gave him a huge hug, and encouraged him to hang in there and wished him luck. I know it meant a lot to him to receive such a warm welcome from someone who was so well respected in Leeds. I think anyone who met Pat was very struck by her, she was unforgettable."

Richard Byrne

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Known pat many years. very nice woman. absolute tragedy.

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Pat was such a figure in the Leeds community you did so much for you campaign and everything else!! Thoughts go to all the family!
Rest in Peace xx you will never be forgotten!

Love Mat Kelly and Family!

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Pat was a wonderful lady ,she gave me lots of advice I love her ,my heart goes out to her family ,

love always donna bagnall (florida)

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PAT YOU WERE A GREAT LADY AND ALWAYS BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE, YOU ALWAYS CARED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND THEIR PROBLEMS AND TRIED TO HELP EVERYONE AROUND. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ME AND MY CHILDREN. REST IN PEACE.

REHANA.......

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I have just learned of the death of Pat Regan. I find it very hard to understand how this could happen to such an inspirational and hard working woman. She worked tirelessly to change the attitudes of so many young people. The world has lost a great crusader. Deepest sympathy to Pat's family and friends our thoughts are very much with them. May she never be forgotten

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may you rest in peace pat. you was a beautiful woman, mother and grandma. you had a heart of gold, you will never be forgotton. im sorry for your family. theyve lost a beautiful mum. rest in peace. you will be in heaven now. will miss u loads.

nuff love xxx ejaz

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Hyde Park Unity Day was instigated by the Hyde Park Residents Association of which Pat was a founder member. Sometimes outspoken always passionate but without her voice crying out for another way beside them and us, peace not violence and showcase what the youth to offer.
Hyde Park has more to thank for the life of Pat, she motivated and instigated so many members of our community to be involved and share the joys of being as one - unity.

Amit Roy - Hyde Park Unity Day member.

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Pat worked tirelessly against gun violence in leeds after her son was shot in 2002. I bumped into Pat a few times. Once I met her while I was at BBC with a Darfuri guy and when I introduced her to him she gave him a huge hug, and encouraged him to hang in there and wished him luck. I know it meant a lot to him to receive such a warm welcome from someone who was so well respected in Leeds.

Richard Byrne
Regional Media Officer
Refugee Council

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Everyone here at the dental practice would like to express our shock at this terrible tragedy. Pat was a vibrant, tireless campaigner, who cared deeply for her family and friends, and had a smile for everyone. We wish to extend our sincerest sympathy to her family.

Everyone at Brudenell Dental Surgery

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May your family be comforted always.

Sarah Berkoff

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I met Pat several times with regards to her campaign, what an amazing woman, so strong, so brave. She made such an impact, we are all so very sad & sorry to hear of this tragedy. Pat was to visit our young people at Cardinal Youth Club as we prepare to launch our 'teen campaign' TAG's, Teens Against Guns & Knives. I know her words would have been such an encouragement to our young people & she would have given them strength to move forward.
May you rest in Peace.
God Bless.

Yvonne Crowther (youth worker) & all the young people at Cardinal Youth Club.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Pat during the 2007 Don't Trigger Campaign...we formed a bond which led to us becoming very close, talking often about our children for hours on the telephone. We also worked together, travelling in late January to Redcar to talk to many bereaved families. Pat spoke of the bereavement of her Son Danny, who was shot dead in 2002, whilst I spoke of my bereavement of my Son Westley, to a fatal stabbing. We spoke about our work in Schools, the ripple effects of trauma that families experience...and how our work could inspire others that had lost a 'loved-one'.
Pat was in life courageous and caring...for me, her spirit and personality will remain with me for life! I feel proud and honoured to have known her...my thoughts are with the family at this time. God Bless you Pat...our new 'Angel' in Heaven...

Ann Oakes-Odger of KnifeCrimes.org

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WHEN WILL IT END???

I was shocked to hear the news about Pat. Firstly let me send my condolances from all the Keenan Family in Blackpool. Pat fought relentlessly for gun and knife crime to stop, and the way she has died makes her plight even more poignant.

Having lost my own brother to knife crime almost 8 years ago today (4th June 2000) I also have fought for justice and knife crime to stop. The only way knife crime in this country will stop is if this Government gets out of the Human Rights Law. There is no deterrent in this country, the courts issue soft sentences, then when they are sentenced, they have it easy. Prisons should be Prisons not holiday camps. When someone takes the life of another they should lose all their libertys, never mind have phone calls and playstations and tv's, they should get hard labour, once this Government hung someone for stabbing or using a gun on another Knife and Gun crime would fall.
These killers should all be made to see the aftermath of their destruction.
I can talk through experience having watched my mum go to hell and back over this 8 years, and watching my brother's children suffering, no sentence could be long enough, but at least justice would be seen to be done.
I have a petition online for LIFE FOR A KNIFE please sign it if you feel as strongly as I do. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/justice4joey/

Beverley Keenan
Born & Bred LEEDS

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God bless you Pat Rest in peace x

Keely

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My thoughts are with your family on this sad day!
You were an inspiration to many and will never be forgotten!!
You were the kindest women I ever had the pleasure of meeting and your 'kind words' will always be remembered, thanks.
The world will be a lesser place without you.....RIP xxx

Love Lindsy Fogarty & Paul Gomersall

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We cannot believe this has happened to someone who spent so much time in local schools and communities talking about the dangers involved in gun & knife crime. We have been working with Pat on a couple of community projects for the past 12 months and she would phone us up regularly when she had something exciting to tell us, news of another breakthrough or a session she had delivered in a school which had gone down well. She was completely dedicated to the task in hand, passionate about her work and determined to spread that message that gun and knife crime was wrong and had a devastating effect on people's lives. She will be sadly missed, not only by family and friends, but all those communities that benefited from her sound advice.

Leeds Community Foundation

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An incredible woman who did so much for people in her community young and old, an inspiration to meet and be around

jenny

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To the family and friends and all the young people whose life Pat has made has made an impact, I send this heart felt plea that we should strive to make sure her name is never forgotten. She campaigned tirelessly to improve the life of many young people and made a big impact into trying to stop more young people avoid dying through gun crime, Shane and the rest of the family I know you are proud of your mum, be proud she made a difference rest in peace Pat.

Bev Freeman


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I am writing on behalf of the Hyde Park Drop In based at Hyde Park Methodist Mission Church.

When we opened the Drop In over 10 years ago Pat was one of our first volunteers. She cared so much for the Hyde Park community and in particular the youth of the area. When Pat lost her son Danny she regularly popped in to the Drop In to publicise events for mothers against violence.

I can say the respect for Pat by the young people was second to none and she will be greatly missed. I am not sure whether to shut Drop In tonight as a mark of respect but I doubt very much that Pat would want that.

The thoughts and prayers of all at the Drop In and Hyde Park Methodist Mission go out to all Pat's family. I know personally that Pat had her own faith and I know she will now be in a safer better place.

Simon Brocksom

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Our heart felt condolences go out to Pat Regans family on this sad day. She came to our organisation and spoke to groups on her experiences and the dangers of weapons, she inspired so many people to consider the choices they made in life and it was an honour to have worked with her. She will be greatly missed.
Getaway Girls

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Frankie and family,
The absolute shock of what has happened is unbelievable. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
My God's blessings be with you at this very very difficult time, Frankie after nearly 20 years, we met up the other day, talked about our children and the paths they'd taken in life. Girl, I'm so so so so sorry.
We will be there to support you all the way
God's blessings
Regards
Ekwa Senghor
Housing Support Officer
East North East Homes Leeds

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Pat, I cannot express the hurt and pain that I feel for you and your family, such a waste of a young and positive life. You was a mother just like me and fought long and tireless to better the life's of our children as well as others and to show them the right path to take in life

Shane and the rest of the family hang on in there you are in our thoughts.

One Love!!!!!

Angela Halliday & Madge Mckenzie

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Pat was a friend and an inspiration to us all. She made connections with different members of the community in a way that other people couldn't. We had a great deal of respect for the work she did. She was passionate about spreading the message that violent crime doesn't just affect individuals but destroys families and communities.

Pat spoke from the heart and with a truth, in a language that people understand. She tried to expose the causes and impact of attitudes that can lead to violent crime and also the ones make it harder to deal with it when it does occur. She worked tirelessly without pay to spread her message. We will support anyone who wants to continue her work, in the hope that other families will not have to suffer such grief and tragedy.

All the staff at Oblong Community Resource Centre

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My heartfelt condolences go out to Pat Regan's family on this tragic day. My only wish is that they draw some comfort in the knowledge that she was much loved by every one she met.
She was an amazing woman and helped me a lot some time back when I was in a bad way and needed someone to talk to. I will never forget her, I can't believe she has gone.

Rest in Peace Pat, the angels will care for you now.

love Sabine xxx

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