Hundreds of stab packs' handed out in Redcar teen victim's memory

Chris Cave was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack when he was 17

Hundreds of life-saving "stab packs" are being handed out to pub and club staff in memory of a Redcar teenage stab victim.

Chris Cave, 17, was stabbed to death in 2003 and since then his mother Theresa Cave and other son Tom have campaigned against knife crime.

They set up the Chris Cave Foundation and its latest initiative of "stab packs" has proved a success.

The charity said 1,500 packs were being handed out to be used to stem bleeding.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger is funding 500 of the packs, which contain gloves, bandages and antiseptic and cost £1.25.

Newcastle-based Phoenix Security, which supplies door staff to pubs and clubs throughout the North East, also said it was giving 1,000 kits out to its staff.

Theresa Cave told Teesside Live: "The Foundation doesn't sell any stab packs - we give them freely when we make our own, but large orders like those from security firms are paid for 'materials only'.

"We make them free and give all our educational programs free too."

Volunteers have been putting the packs together, which contain gloves and antiseptic

Mr Cave's murderer Sean Matson, who was high on drink and drugs during the unprovoked attack, was jailed for life after his death in 2003.

The victim's brother, Tom Cave said: "For our generation stabbings are occurring every single day. Many people die waiting for an ambulance if the blood flow cannot be stemmed."

Mr Coppinger said: "The packs will mean that we can intervene at the earliest stage because that can save lives."

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