Maldon grandmother and knife crime campaigner Julie Taylor is one of four finalists in the 'Bravery' category at the BBC Essex Make A Difference Awards.

A ceremony to announce the winner will be held in Hatfield Peverel next Thursday (September 21). The award is for 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.

Julie told Nub News: "I just want to keep Liam's loving memory alive and keep telling his story to help save others from suffering our heartache. That pain never leaves us.

"There are no winners in knife crime, but it's such an honour to be a finalist in Liam's memory."

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. According to Essex's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), the kits have saved the lives of four people in the last ten months.

Each public-access specialist first aid kit costs £102 to supply. Any donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, visit the Liam Taylor Legacy Facebook page.

The winner of this year's prize will be selected by a panel of judges. One judge is thought to be 'The Only Way Is Essex' star Joey Essex.

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