Bleed kits rolled out after teen fatally stabbed

Margaret Oakes started fundraising for the kits following the murder of her son

Life-saving equipment will be put in leisure centres across a county after an 18-year-old was murdered last year.

South Norfolk Council has agreed to put bleed control kits in Long Stratton, Framingham Earl, Wymondham and Diss.

The pledge came after Raymond James Quigley, 18, from Wymondham was stabbed by members of a rival gang in Ipswich last year.

Gary Blundell, Liberal Democrat councillor, said: "One of these kits could possibly have saved James' life and his mum has been slowly pushing them out around Norfolk."

Raymond James Quigley was stabbed in Ipswich in January 2023 by members of a rival gang

Mr Quigley's mum, Margaret Oakes, has been working with councillors to get the equipment installed across the district.

"This is 100% the biggest step forward for us," she said.

"We're now hoping other councils in Norfolk will do the same so as many kits as possible are available."

The teenager was attacked on Westgate Street in January 2023, following a feud between two rival Norwich gangs.

Alfie Hammett and Joshua Howell, both 19 at the time of the trial, were found guilty of his murder and possession of a weapon in a public place.

Through her campaigning, Margaret Oakes has already managed to get bleed kits put in Wymondham and Norwich

The specialist kits are designed to provide treatment for someone suffering severe bleeding while waiting for emergency medics to arrive.

They contain bandages, tourniquets, gloves and scissors, and can cost as little as £108.

Some kits have a telephone connected to the emergency services, who can be alerted to any incidents.

Ms Oakes has so far installed six kits and one cabinet, with a further three cabinets "on the way".

Kits have been installed at Kett's Pub in Wymondham and Riverside Leisure Centre in Norwich.

While kits will be placed in areas across south Norfolk, the council said staff at the centres will receive training to use the equipment.

"This is something I said I would do for James to keep his memory with us," Ms Oakes added.

"I'm just really thankful that Gary Blundell took an interest in our campaign and for the council for voting it through."

Mr Blundell said this was a "vital step" to improving safety and awareness in the community.

A bleed control kit was installed at the Black Swan pub in North Walsham in July