School kids unite to save lives from knives

Image caption, Children across Sefton have been taking part

Over 1600 school children are joining the fight against knife crime.

Children from 80 schools in Sefton will take part in a running relay to raise money for life-saving bleeding control kits for public places.

The campaign Know Knife Crime was launched after Colin McGinty, 21, from Blundelsands, was stabbed to death in 2001 in a case of mistaken identity.

His sister Laura Hughes said it was "absolutely mega" so many children were taking part.

Image caption, Colin McGinty's family want to raise awareness of the impact of knife crime

The "mini marathon" event will see 20 children from each school run to the next school using the Knife Savers bleed control kit as the relay baton.

The children are aiming to complete 2.6 miles (4.18km) throughout the week, covering at total of 82 miles (132km).

Ms Hughes said to have so many children involved in the campaign and spreading the word was "phenomenal".

"It means that it really does keep Colin's name alive.

"It's creating that positive legacy," she said.

The campaign also highlights the long-term traumatic effects of knife crime and aims to deter people from carrying a knife.

Christina Greaves, headteacher at Kew Woods Primary School, said the event reflected how the community is "working together".

"We want to keep our community safe," she said.

"We want to be well resourced in case there is ever an incident where a bleed kit is needed to be used."

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