Last September, my constituent Kelly Brown’s son Rhamero “Mero” West was tragically murdered in Old Trafford. He died as the result of a knife wound. The impact of knife violence on young people is immense, and we must do more to stand up, raise awareness and change the way our current and future generations think.

In December, I met with Kelly in Fallowfield to discuss the impact of knife violence on our young people and their families. She had already begun her hard work to make sure that no other families would have to suffer in the same way her’s has. Kelly has launched a campaign – called Mero’s World – to fund and install bleed kits around Manchester, dedicated to Mero’s memory. These kits – like defibrillators – can be accessed using a code from 999 operators for any catastrophic bleeding, whether from a knife wound, a car accident or another incident. When used, they can make the difference between a victim living or dying in the time it takes for a paramedic to reach them.

The first cabinet was installed in February at The Place at Platt Lane, with other kits installed along Wilmslow Road in Rusholme and Withington. Additional kits are planned for elsewhere in the city including Hulme, Moss Side and Old Trafford. Make sure you know how to use a kit if you need one by watching the video below.

This month, I joined Kelly and the Fallowfield community for an Easter Family Fun Day to raise funds for more kits and to extend their work to first aid training and education. It was a real privilege to talk to Kelly about the incredible work she has been doing in such terrible circumstances, as well as join young people in Fallowfield enjoying festivities.

If you would like to donate to Mero’s World, you can find out more information on Just Giving.