Leicester Bleed Kit Project

Aim

Make life-saving bleed control kits available in Leicester

Following a fatal stabbing at De Montfort University, the Leicester Gazette is fundraising £2,750 to fund at least 10 public access emergency bleed control kits across the city centre and university campuses.

A man in his 20s died in hospital after suffering knife wounds in an attack on Oxford Street in Leicester on 3-4 February 2026. The incident was reported extensively by local and national media and has caused significant distress to people, particularly students, in the city.

There is only one emergency bleed control kit in Leicester city centre (at Service Yard A), according to Bleed Map and HeartSafe.

The kits, which contain products especially for treating major bleeds, can be used in a variety of situations including stabbings, accidental blade wounds, falls and road traffic collisions to name just a few. They are similar to public access defibrillators (PADs).

We have decided to launch this fundraiser to get as many life-saving kits installed across the city centre as possible. Each kit costs approximately £274.80 (£229 +VAT).

We will work with local partners, including charities and emergency services, to identify suitable locations for the kits.

Although bleed kits do not tackle the rise in knife crime in Leicester, they do provide life-saving aid when needed. Our journalism will continue to hold Leicestershire Police, the police and crime commissioner, and other local authorities and decision-makers accountable to ensure knife crime is being tackled effectively. 

Any questions, contact us at [email protected].

FAQs

We will update this FAQ throughout the campaign.

What payment options are there for donating?

You can donate using all major credit/debit cards.

What happens if you raise more than the target?

Any money raised over the target amount will be spent on additional bleed control kits for the city.

What happens if the project is not successful?

Every donation matters. If we do not quite reach the goal, we’ll make some adjustments and power forward with what we’ve got.

Can I donate anonymously?

Yes! Simply tick ‘Pledge anonymously’ when making your pledge.

What is the Leicester Gazette?

We are a member-funded, community-owned news outlet about Leicestershire. Our mission is to hold those in power accountable, push for change, and amplify the voices of marginalised communities while finding real solutions to the challenges we face. You can find out more here.

Where does the money go?

All funds raised will be allocated directly to purchasing bleed kits, minus any payment and platform fees that are beyond our control.

Photograph: Nigel Harris

This project successfully funded on 18th March 2026