Julian Richards
26 November, 2024
What's On

Skaters get on board to back Gabe's Law

An auction of skateboards is taking place in Liverpool next month to increase awareness for the campaign to change the law to make multi-storey car parks safer, and to raise funds for three charities.

One of the skateboards being auctioned

In 2020, Gabe Santer, who was part of Liverpool’s skate community, fell from an illegally low railing atop of a city centre car park.

Last year, the Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill, known as Gabe’s Law, was introduced to Parliament by Maria Eagle MP. With a change of Government, the Bill will now have to be reintroduced, which it’s hoped will be early next year.

Charity auction of skateboards taking place in December
Charity auction of skateboards taking place in December Credit: LJMU

In the meantime, Gabe’s dad, Johnny, has joined with skate shop Lost Art and the LJMU Liverpool School of Art and Design to showcase some designs before selling them to the highest bidder.

All funds raised will be distributed to mental health charities Mind and The Ben Raemers Foundation which supports those from the skateboarding community as well as anti-poverty charity Trussell.

Skateboard designed by Patrick Thomas for charity auction
Skateboard designed by Patrick Thomas for charity auction Credit: LJMU

Johnny Santer said: “The skate community has come together to help raise the profile of Gabe’s Law and to support my campaign for the development of an Olympic skatepark in the city.

“I’m grateful to Lost Art for donating the used skateboard decks, the artists and students for their innovative designs and look forward to seeing the artwork and highlighting some of the issues relevant to the skate community, who often feel marginalised.”

Mike O'Shaughnessy, from the Graphic Design and Illustration Programme at School of Art and Design, LJMU said:  “This is a unique collaboration born from a personal friendship and a tragic event. 

Skateboard designed by David Hand to be auctioned in December
Skateboard designed by David Hand to be auctioned in December Credit: LJMU
“By joining with skaters, the creative community is not only helping to keep Gabe’s spirit alive and hopefully help change the law but also highlighting the need for a new world-class skatepark in the city.”

The event takes place on Thursday, December 12 at The Atrium Gallery, JLADA Building, Duckinfield Street, L3 5RD and starts at 6.30pm.

If you’d like to attend the exhibition and/or make a bid for the boards, please email hello@gabeslaw.org 

For more information follow Gabe’s Law on X, Instagram or Facebook @Gabes_law or visit www.gabeslaw.org to join the campaign.