Weston-super-Mare head teacher running for knife charities

James Oakley was on a city break with his family when he helped a young person with a stab wound

A head teacher is taking on his first half marathon to raise money for knife charities after he gave emergency first aid to a stab victim while on holiday.

James Oakley, from Weston-super-Mare, was on a city break with his wife and children when the injured young person approached.

He helped the teenager until paramedics arrived minutes later.

The next day Mr Oakley was told the young person had died. A man has been arrested and charged over the incident.

The Bristol Half Marathon and 10k, which involves thousands of runners every year, are taking place on 19 May.

Mr Oakley said to donors: "Although it's not the biggest endurance race in the world... for an overweight non-runner like me, it will be a challenge".

He said he hopes the money he raises will support early education and intervention for young people around carrying knifes.

Mr Oakley is supporting charities which provide education and offer support to families affected by knife crime

"As a society it is important we look to both sides. We have let down both the victims of knife crime and those carrying the knifes," he said.

"And hopefully more early intervention can help with that," he added.

Mr Oakley said there is this "notion that carrying a knife will protect you... but knife crime is so sudden and instant it's a misnomer to think it will protect you…

"It's not a preventative measure," he added.

Mr Oakley has so far raised around £2,500 through his fundraising page 'No More Knive's on JustGiving.

He is supporting Lives Not Knives, one of the biggest charities against knife crime in the UK and the James Brindley Foundation, in the West Midlands.

The charities provide education for young people and support to families affected by knife crime.

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