GRANDMOTHER of a Chelmsford teenager who died as a victim of knife crime has been awarded a £100 cheque, as guest of honour, by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Julie Taylor, 57, began donating blood bags to various venues across Essex three years ago, after the tragic murder of her grandson.

In January 2022, Liam Taylor,19,  was attacked in a pub in Writtle, where he was stabbed and died at the scene due to severe blood loss.

Since his death, Julie and her family have launched a support group, called The Liam Taylor Legacy - RIP Fish, offering advice and support to those affected by knife crime. 

Julie Taylor recently donated a blood bag to Gary, chairman of Galleywood Youth Football Club, in Chelmer park Chelmsford. Julie Taylor recently donated a blood bag to Gary, chairman of Galleywood Youth Football Club, in Chelmer park Chelmsford. (Image: Julie Taylor) So far, Julie has donated over 375 blood bags to public venues in a number of Essex areas, including Colchester, Maldon, Braintree, Chelmsford and Halstead.

This summer, Julie's efforts were recognised by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, who have been working closely with her since last year.

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crew Manager Glenn Lambard and Firefighter Woody Whymark from Tiptree Fire Station have been awarded Chief Fire Officer Commendations for their exemplary actions after they saved a man's life."

"Last summer, Woody passed a man lying on the ground needing first aid.

"He spoke to witnesses and quickly realised the man had been stabbed multiple times.

"He instantly started helping the man.

"Recognising the gravity of the situation, Woody called for assistance from his colleague, Glenn, who is heavily involved in Trauma Training at the fire station, due to his role as a Senior Emergency Medical Technician (working on a frontline ambulance) with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).

"Both of then worked together to delivery emergency first aid which saved the man's life.

"Following the incident, the Tiptree crews have been working closely with anti-knife crime campaigner, Julie Taylor, from the Liam Taylor Legacy."

Julie was awarded £100, as guest of honour at a Service event in TiptreeJulie was awarded £100, as guest of honour at a Service event in Tiptree (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service) Julie was a guest of honour at Tiptree fire station earlier this year, where the crews presented her with a cheque of £100 - funds raised during Tiptree Fire Station’s open day in 2023.

The money will be used to pay for an emergency bleed kit to be placed in the local community.