Norfolk mum of son stabbed to death in Ipswich vows to continue rolling out 'bleed kits'
On 17 January 2023, Raymond James Quigley was murdered by two teenagers in Ipswich
A mum in Norfolk whose son was stabbed to death in Ipswich two years ago is telling us she'll continue rolling out more 'bleed kits' this year - to help save the lives of those seriously injured on the streets.
18 year-old Raymond James Quigley, from Wymondham, died in Ipswich town centre on 17th January 2023 from wounds inflicted on him by two teenagers.
They were found guilty of his murder early last year and are serving life in prison.
"They need to put in place a law that will see every knife be taken off the streets"
Margaret Oakes lives in North Walsham. She told us about her standout memories of her son:
"James was always smiling, joking and singing - he would do that more than talk really. He was also so caring and was like a little counsellor to anyone who needed him."
Margaret says the Government should be doing more to tackle the issue of knife crime: "They need to put in place a law that will see every knife be taken off the streets.
"It's not just big knives that can hurt people, we've seen a nurse recently be hurt by just a pair of scissors.
"People don't normally need to carry knives on the streets - but if they do, they should have a registration to say why."
She says the bleed kits that they've already delivered are making a huge difference: "We've already seen that our bleed kit on Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, has been used for somebody who needed help.
"We're hoping to put out more of them with defibrillators thanks to local charity 'Heart 2 Heart'."
What is a 'Bleed Kit'?
The kit contains specialist equipment to help stem extreme blood loss before paramedics arrive.
It's housed in a bright-red lightweight pack which contains:
-Trauma dressing
This is designed to control moderate bleeding and should be placed on the bleed itself, not slid on.
-Haemostatic gauze
This dressing is designed to control moderate to very severe haemorrhage
-Chest seal
An innovative dressing for emergency treatment of a penetrating chest wound.
-A Tourniquet
This cuts off blood supply and should only be used by a trained first aider or if a paramedic tells you to use it – as cutting off blood supply may stem an injury but also have other consequences.
What happened to Raymond James Quigley?
On 17 January 2023, James had travelled to Ipswich from Wymondham to meet two friends.
They were walking along Westgate Street, in the town centre, when they came across Alfie Hammett and Joshua Howell, who were were both carrying large knives.
Hammett ran towards James and attacked him, while Howell chased after one of James’ friends, who managed to escape to safety in a nearby shop.
A Home Office post-mortem examination concluded that James sustained four stab wounds to the torso, with two wounds to the chest and abdomen proving to be fatal.
During the teens' trial, the court heard that the motive for the attack was most likely due to tensions between rival gangs from Norwich.
Hammett, of Larkhill Rise, Rushmere St Andrew; and Howell of Wellington Street, Ipswich; were both convicted of murdering James, at Ipswich Crown Court on 26 January 2024.
On March 11th 2024, both were teenagers were sentenced to life in prison.
Hammett was given a minimum of 24 years and Howell was jailed for at least 20 years.
What's the Government said on this?
The Government says it's launched a coalition to tackle the issue and has also banned Zombie-style knives and machetes from being possessed or sold