A man from Woolwich has called for bleed kits to be installed around London to stop stab victims from dying at the scene.
Ryan Biddiss thought of the idea a year ago after seeing a mum of a stabbing victim “wash her son’s blood off the floor” in Woolwich.
After witnessing the “horrific” moment, Ryan felt he had to do something to try to stop the knife crime in the streets.
Ryan then launched a knife amnesty group, named “Protect Our Children”, in a bid to get rid of dangerous weapons being used for crime.
The 27-year-old told the News Shopper: “I remember the exact moment.
“I got a lump in my throat and had goosebumps when I saw that poor mum.
“No one should ever go through that.
“I knew I had to do something to make a difference and do the best I can to save lives.”
Ryan began the knife amnesty group after suffering from depression following the death of his father, prompting him to change his life.
He previously worked with young people for a number of years, working at different community centres, before setting up the group.
Ryan explained: “As knife crime campaigners we go out on the streets and tackle these problems head-on.
“It is important that we all play a part in stopping knife crime.
“The community needs to get together and stop these nightmares.
“It’s all done anonymously where people get in contact with me, to get rid of their weapons.”
Following the launch of the group, Ryan then discovered bleed kits, which were founded by Lynne Baird through the Daniel Baird Foundation.
Lynne founded the foundation to provide life-saving kits after her son was stabbed to death in a Birmingham pub in 2017.
Ryan was inspired by Lynne’s work and decided to distribute that kits within Greenwich Borough.
The kits, which costs £85 each, provide bleed kits designed to treat wounds quickly and effectively.
Ryan explained: “I was inspired by what Lynne has done.
“So, I thought on how I could make a difference and purchased some kits myself to give to local shops in my area.
“I think everyone should have a bleeder kit, whether it’s in their homes or cars.
“It’s not just stabbings but maybe if someone’s had a bad car accident, you can also go and help.”
Ryan has so far donated five kits that are available in local shops and roads across Greenwich.
These are located at TJ Premier in Woolwich Church Street, PJ off-license in Sandy Road, Glendon Community Centre, Rose Inn Pub in Waverley Road, and Birchwood Pub in Abbey Wood.
Ryan is now calling for councils across London to “take action” and to donate bleed control kits in all boroughs.
He feels that many deaths over the years could have been prevented if bleed kits were used nationwide.
Ryan added: “We need our councils to do more and donate kits, whether it’s a local park, train station, or anywhere.
“It’s vital that we get our voices heard so we can save lives.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel