Chelmsford Grandmother invited to Number 10 for work to reduce knife crime
Julie Taylor was one of 80 people invited to Downing Street yesterday
A grandmother from Essex, who raises funds for life saving bleed kit bags, has visited Number 10 Downing Street, in recognition for her work.
Julie Taylor from Chelmsford, visited Number 10 yesterday, along with 79 other people who were being recognised for their work within their communities, and outstanding contributions.
Esther McVey MP invited Julie for afternoon tea, where the brilliant work she and others do was discussed.
Julie told Greatest Hits Radio it was incredible to be invited.
"It felt magical, that's the word. It's absolutely beautiful in there.
"Everything I do, I do in Liam's memory, so to stand on the door step of Number 10 with his photograph, I think that was the icing on the cake for me."
Julie's efforts to eradicate knife crime stem from a personal loss, after her grandson, Liam Taylor, died in a stabbing in Writtle in January 2020.
Since Liam's death, Julie has been fundraising, speaking in schools, prisons and education settings, and working tirelessly to provide first-hand statements about how knife crime can has detrimental effects.
The bleed kit bags have the ability to stop a potentially fatal bleed, and in turn save a person's life.
Bags provided by Julie, and those who support her, have saved lives in Essex, which all aid in keeping Liam's memory, and his legacy, alive.
A "magical" experience
During Julie's visit to Number 10, she met with others who shared their stories, and the work they're doing across the country to better their communities.
Julie says one person in particular has stuck in her mind: "I met quite a few people there, but one person that stuck in particular was a boy called Jordan Adams.
"This young lad lost his mum to dementia at 52 years old, and he's got some genetic gene, by the time he's 40 he's going to have dementia and he will pass as well.
"He also has a brother.
"When people tell you these things, and he runs 7 marathons in 7 days, it just melts your heart, you know, you understand that everyone is trying to do some good.
"We were all there for good reasons, or sad reasons, but he's just stuck in my heart."