Skateboard auction to take place in Liverpool raising awareness for Gabe’s Law

Liverpool will host a special auction of skateboards next month to support the campaign for Gabe’s Law, which seeks to make multi-storey car parks safer, and to raise funds for three vital charities.

The campaign is in memory of Gabe Santer, a member of Liverpool’s skate community who tragically fell from a car park with an illegally low railing in 2020. 

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.

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.

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.

“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 12^th December at The Atrium Gallery, JLADA Building, Duckinfield Street, L3 5RD and starts at 6.30pm.

Find out more about Gabe’s Law and how you can join the campaign here.

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