Maldon grandmother Julie Taylor has been shortlisted for a BBC Essex Make A Difference Award, in the 'Bravery' category, for her tireless anti-knife crime campaigning.

She is one of four finalists competing for the award, which will go to an individual who has shown "outstanding courage, defiance, and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear, or difficulty."

Since her 19-year-old grandson Liam was stabbed to death outside a pub in Writtle three years ago, Julie has spearheaded a fundraising campaign to install lifesaving critical bleed kits throughout Essex.

She told BBC Essex: "We had to do something to keep his memory alive.

"Three of my bags helped save four people's lives in the last eight months."

Since 2020, Julie has raised more than £33,000 and installed dozens of bleed control kits in pubs, bars, community centres and busy shopping areas, helping to provide vital first aid if someone is stabbed or cut.

Along with around 200 bleed kits, the money raised has also provided two defibrillators and several 24-hour accessible cabinets.

"Liam would be really proud of what's being done in his memory," she added.

Last month, Julie spoke at the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Partnership conference. She explained how her family has suffered following the death of her beloved grandson.

She said: "The perpetrators may be in prison, but we as a family are serving a life sentence. It has broken our family."

The award is being judged by 'The Only Way is Essex' star Joey Essex. Julie and her fellow finalists will find out who has won at the BBC Essex Make A Difference Awards ceremony on September 21.

Meanwhile, all donations to the ongoing campaign are gratefully accepted. For more information, visit the Liam Taylor Legacy Facebook page.

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