Adam’s Challenge
Yesterday I had the privilege of joining Adam Thompson MP for the afternoon section of his challenge to raise money for Bleed Kits in Ilkeston.
Adam walked the length of Erewash – from the bottom of Sawley all the way to the very top of Cotmanhay – a 13-mile trek through both town centres and surrounding villages. His goal is to raise funds for the installation of emergency bleed control kits across Ilkeston.
Like defibrillators, bleed kits can save lives when placed in public areas. Following a series of high-profile violent incidents, the ambition is to place a kit in or near every one of Ilkeston’s town centre pubs.
The fundraiser is already live on a GoFundMe page, with several local businesses pledging support. Erewash Borough Council has also agreed to purchase and install more than ten kits. The more money raised, the more kits can be provided and the more lives can potentially be saved.
As Adam himself said:
“With fast action, bleed kits in public places can save lives just like defibrillators, which people are already familiar with. I hope we can raise enough money to fit as many town centre pubs and locations with bleed kits as possible. I’m thankful to the businesses that have already made donations, and I’m looking forward to raising awareness through my walk across Erewash [next month].”
Building Partnerships for Young People
During the walk I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey, a Police Community Support Officer, and Beth, a Police Officer in the Erewash Youth Engagement Team. Both are incredibly passionate about their involvement with young people in Ilkeston and the support they provide every day.
We’ve already started thinking about how Our Crafty Place could work together to offer craft activities to young people in the community. Creative projects can provide safe, positive and meaningful experiences. Kate and I are truly excited about the chance to collaborate with them.
Looking Ahead with Adam
Adam also showed a genuine interest in the work we are doing at Our Crafty Place. We are looking forward to welcoming him to 1 Corporation Road, where we can share more about our plans for the wider Ilkeston community. It’s so heartening to see his enthusiasm for projects that build resilience, wellbeing and belonging.
How You Can Help
For now, the priority is to support Adam’s campaign and help him reach his fundraising target. Every donation brings us closer to equipping Ilkeston with bleed kits, raising awareness about knife crime, and helping people feel safe, valued, and supported.
👉 Please consider donating if you can, and help us spread the word. Together, we can make a real difference.
A Personal Thank You
Finally, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Adam — not only for his tireless work and passion to make life better for his constituents but also for the warm way he welcomed me when I joined him yesterday. His energy, commitment and positivity are inspiring and I feel privileged to have walked alongside him in support of this vital cause.
