James Froggatt (27) was set upon by a gang of four men on Byron Street in Mansfield on 10th July 2008 and horrifically punched, kicked and stabbed as he laid defenceless on the floor.
He had confronted the yobs with resident Lee Westwood to challenge them about their anti-social behaviour.
The former Quarrydale School pupil suffered blood loss from a chest cavity and underwent life-saving surgery at King's Mill Hospital.
Stephen Pearce-Price (19), of Tennyson Street, Tony Boyle (41), of Burns Street, 15-year-old Joshua Shaw and Lenford Swift (17) were jailed for a total of nine years for their role in the brutal and unprovoked attack.
Pearce-Price was given six years in a young offenders' institute and Shaw was sentenced to 12 months in a young offenders' institute.
Swift was given eight months in a young offenders' institute and Boyle was jailed for 14 months.
Speaking outside Nottingham Crown Court, Mr Froggatt, who had been visiting his girlfriend when he was attacked, said it was time for knife crime to end.
"I went to help a neighbour, one thing led to another and I was stabbed," he said.
"The street has had its problems but for something like this to happen is really bad.
"I was getting kicked by between two and four people at a time and I am lucky to be alive.
"The week I was stabbed, five other people were stabbed in the country and I am the only one still alive.
"There are too many young gangs with knives all over the country and they need to be stopped –– the police need to be given more powers to put an end to knife crime.
"I was brave and stupid to get involved –– next time I will leave it to the police to deal with.
"I am too scared to be out alone and this attack has left me with many physical injuries."
Mr Froggatt, who works as a transport supervisor for Huthwaite firm Synseal, also paid tribute to the emergency staff at King's Mill Hospital.
"The doctors at King's Mill Hospital did a great job and helped save my life –– I received fantastic care and support all the way through, they did a fantastic job and I cannot thank them enough."
Mr Froggatt and Mr Westwood have now been recommended for a special High Sheriff of Nottingham commendation for their bravely in challenging the yobs.
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