OFFICERS from the East Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area got their running shoes on earlier this month, to help raise vital funds to purchase trauma kits.
Local officers have been working closely Kamala Wisdom from Sensational Vibes and the Afro Caribbean Centre in Maidstone Road, to tackle knife crime and the impact of these offences on their community.
Sensational Vibes is a youth and community group which meets in the Highfields area of the city. Kamala works with youths to educate them on knife crime amongst other things and recently conducted a training scheme where youths were trained in CPR and basic trauma aftercare.
Local officers were approached by Kamala to help support her groups efforts to raise money to purchase trauma kits for installation in and around the Highfields area.
Trauma kits contain dressings, a tourniquet to help stop blood loss, and instructions. The Afro Caribbean Centre has also been offering training on how to use them.
On Saturday, March 5, Sergeant Karl Burden, along with seven of his officers from the beat team, ran 13.1 miles to raise money for the cause. They were supported in their endeavours by two further officers from the team.
Inspector Yakub Ismail from East Leicester NPA, said: “We have been working closely in partnership with the centre and Sensational Vibes for some time to raise awareness of knife crime and the consequences. We are proud to be able to support them further by raising money for these vital kits. It’s important these kits are accessible to the whole community and could help save a life.
“The charity run was well received by the local community and the officers returned to the centre to a big welcoming applause from the public.
“The fundraising was also supported by Neighbourhood Active who also contributed and helped raise more than £600 for the kits.”
