News / knife crime
Bristol mum praised for knife crime awareness campaign at 10 Downing Street
A Bristol mum has been commended for her efforts in saving young lives from knife crime.
Leanne Eckland, whose 16-year-old son Max Dixon was killed in Knowle West, has been recognised for her efforts in improving knife crime awareness at a recent Inspirational Women’s Reception.
The reception, which took place at Number 10 Downing Street, honoured Ekland and her close friend and campaigner Carly Kingdon, who were joined by Conservative parliamentary candidate for Bristol South, Liz Brennan.
is needed now More than ever
Max and his best friend Mason Rist were both fatally stabbed on January 27.
Since then, Eckland has campaigned against knife crime, leading a campaign in collaboration with Park Knowle Football Club.
“Max’s legacy long continues to make positive change and save lives,” said Eckland, who is working to prevent young people from getting involved in gang-related knife crime.
Eckland, Kingdon and Brennan met with chief secretary to the treasury, Laura Trott, to discuss the importance of introducing bleed-kit training across secondary schools.
Bleed kits ensure that more people are equipped on how to identify and treat life-threatening bleeding as a result of knife crime alongside similar violent situations.
There are further campaigns to include information on the consequences of carrying knives in the National Curriculum.
From left to right: campaigners Carly Kingdon and Leanne Ekland, and Bristol South MP candidate Liz Brennan – photo: Archibald Azis
Speaking at the reception which celebrated women campaigning in politics, mum-of-four Eckland, said: “Being invited to Number 10 and speaking to the minister about our important campaign was an amazing experience.”
Eckland’s actions have been widely admired, achieving vital work despite a personal loss, and creating great positive changes for Bristol youth.
Attending the Inspirational Women’s Reception, Eckland discussed the rollout of bleed kits with Trott.
Trott said that she hopes “the tragic cycle of violence that drives gang-led knife crime is broken” and through this, a culture of preparedness and care can be fostered.
Main photo: Archibald Azis
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