A CHARITY established in memory of a teenager who tragically lost his life to knife crime is continuing its mission through the installation of emergency bleed control cabinets.
Merosworld Foundation was founded by Kelly Brown following the devastating loss of her son, 16-year-old Rhamero “Mero” West, who was fatally stabbed during rush hour on a weekday evening in September 2021 after his first day at college.
Determined that her son’s legacy would create positive change, Kelly transformed her grief into action, establishing the charity to help prevent knife crime, support young people and provide communities with potentially life-saving resources.
One of its most significant achievements has been the installation of more than 90 emergency bleed control cabinets across Greater Manchester, including 11 within Tameside
They contain specialist equipment designed to help members of the public respond to catastrophic bleeding incidents while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Despite the growing number, Merosworld Foundation says many people remain unaware they exist, what they are for, and how they can be accessed in an emergency.
Hayley, a Trustee of Merosworld Foundation, said: “When someone is suffering catastrophic blood loss, every second counts.
“Emergency services do an incredible job, but in those critical minutes before help arrives, having access to the right equipment can mean the difference between life and death.
“We know these cabinets save lives because two of our bleed control cabinets have already been used in real emergencies to help prevent life-threatening blood loss.
“That is why we are so passionate about raising awareness and making these kits as accessible as defibrillators across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
The cabinets are designed to be used in any serious bleeding emergency, not solely incidents involving knife crime. They contain equipment that can help control severe bleeding and provide vital support until paramedics arrive on scene.
The charity hopes that increasing public awareness of the cabinets will ensure more people know where their nearest one is located and feel confident accessing the equipment should the need arise.
Alongside its bleed control cabinet programme, Merosworld Foundation operates a youth hub in the Fallowfield area of Manchester, providing young people with a safe space, support and positive opportunities within their community.
The organisation also works closely with schools, colleges and youth groups across Greater Manchester, delivering educational sessions on knife crime, the consequences of carrying weapons and the devastating impact violence can have on families and communities.
Kelly Brown, chair of Merosworld Foundation, said: “No parent should have to experience the loss of a child. I can’t bring Mero back, but we can honour his memory by helping other young people make positive choices and by providing communities with the knowledge and equipment that could save a life.
“Everything we do is about creating something positive from tragedy and ensuring Mero’s legacy lives on.
“As a mother who has lost a child to knife crime, I understand the devastating impact these incidents have on families. While we cannot change what happened to Mero, we can work to protect others.
“Time is critical when somebody is suffering severe blood loss, and the fact that two of our cabinets have already been used in emergencies shows just how important they are. If even one family is spared the heartbreak we experienced, then everything we do is worthwhile.”
The foundation is now working towards a target of installing 100 emergency bleed control cabinets by August 1, marking its fourth anniversary and further expanding access to life-saving equipment across Greater Manchester.
Residents, businesses and community organisations are being encouraged to support its work by learning the location of their nearest bleed control cabinet, attending fundraising events, making donations or helping raise awareness through social media.
Merosworld Foundation hopes that through education, prevention and community action it can help create a safer future for young people across Greater Manchester while ensuring more people are equipped to respond in a life-threatening emergency.
For more information, to support the charity or to find out about upcoming events, visit www.merosworld.org.uk or follow Merosworld West on social media.