Bereaved nan distributes dozens more bleed control kits across Essex
Julie Taylor, grandmother of Liam Taylor, a 19-year-old who was fatally stabbed outside a pub in Writtle in January 2020, has spearheaded a campaign to prevent similar tragedies
Dozens of bleed bags are being distributed across Essex, thanks to the tireless efforts of a grandmother who tragically lost her grandson to knife crime.
Julie Taylor, grandmother of Liam Taylor, a 19-year-old who was fatally stabbed outside a pub in Writtle in January 2020, has spearheaded a campaign to prevent similar tragedies. With over £37,000 raised through the Liam Taylor Legacy crowdfunding page, Julie is determined to provide lifesaving catastrophic bleed kits to various venues across the region.
Already, around 180 of these specialized kits have been distributed throughout Essex, with an additional 70 sent to other locations across the UK. Now, thanks to Julie's dedication, another 60 kits have been pledged to be distributed, each containing essential equipment to address severe stab wounds until professional medical assistance arrives.
These kits are not solely intended for knife attacks but also for addressing life-threatening bleeds in various emergencies, such as road traffic collisions. From town center venues to remote locations like country pubs, Julie ensures that these kits are accessible where they are needed most.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking loss of her grandson, Julie emphasizes the importance of widespread availability of these kits to prevent further tragedies. She remains steadfast in her mission to keep Liam's memory alive while advocating for crucial safety measures in the community.
Julie said: “We are going into the country pubs as well. I’ve got about 13 in Uttlesford. Being out in the sticks means it’s further for the ambulance to travel. It just makes sense.
“They need to be everywhere. You can die of a catastrophic bleed in three minutes. You are not going to get anyone out in that time. Five minutes is the maximum.
“I think every premise should have them. They are for any catastrophic bleed. There could be a major accident outside. If there are on site everywhere you can’t go wrong.
“I’ve got them in churches. They said they are prepared to use them. Anywhere that asked me I’ll just take one along.”
Julie recalled how she was just going to bed when she received a hysterical phone call from her daughter, screaming: “He has been stabbed. He’s dead. He’s been murdered.”
She said: “I am still in shock today and he has been gone for three and a half years.
“I watched his murder on CCTV in court. Liam was outside the pub in the smoking area with his best friend when the car pulled in. It took 39 seconds for them to drive in. The attack lasted for 13 seconds. Liam was stabbed six times, twice through the heart, and twice through the lower back, damaging his lung and liver. On top of that, he had 28 separate injuries.
“All I could think was how terrified he was.
“The perpetrators may be in prison, but we as a family are serving a life sentence. It has broken our family. I am nearly 60 and have lived three of his lives. I am never going to see him get married, he will never give me great-grandchildren.”
Julie, who now helps to train family liaison officers as a result of her experience, said: “Me being here is keeping Liam’s memory alive.”
The initiative aims to equip public spaces with bleed control bags, providing vital support in emergencies beyond just knife crime incidents. Through the Liam Taylor Legacy Charity, established by Liam's family, funding is allocated to ensure the distribution of these kits across Essex and beyond.