Haverhill has been presented with its first bleed control kit amid the arrival of the Knife Angel statue coming to the town on Saturday 31 August.
The Defib Warehouse kit was donated by Darryl Barfield, the father of Harley Barfield who was fatally stabbed in Haverhill in 2023, along with assistance from Brian and Diane Freakley.
The kit, located inside a corrosion resistant and UV resistance polycarbonate box, includes wound dressings, an assortment of bandages, scissors, gloves and face masks. It is due to be located in the area of Stasbourg Square in Haverhill, close to the location where Harley was stabbed.
Darryl also presented a pre-hosting acceptance certificate to Haverhill Town Council ahead of the Knife Angel statue’s arrival in the town on Saturday 31 August. The certificate was accepted by Haverhill Town Mayor, David Smith and Revd Max Drinkwater of St. Mary’s Church in Haverhill. The statue will arrive from its previous location (Luton) and will be installed on Haverhill Market Square the same day.
Haverhill Town Mayor, David Smith said: “The bleed control kit will be a welcome addition in Haverhill following the tragic events that saw Harley Barfield lose his life in 2023.“The kit has been created to help save lives in such unfortunate circumstances, although we hope that it never has to be used in the town. It also serves as a reminder of how such a tragic event can greatly impact the community, friends and families of those involved.
“Ahead of the Knife Angel’s visit to the town this August we would like to continue to raise awareness and highlight the negative effects of all violent behaviour, including domestic violence and knife crime, and this new kit acts as another reminder that there is no excuse for assault of any kind.”
-More information on the Knife Angel statue-
The Knife Angel, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, is made from over 100,000 seized blades. The sculpture was created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour of all types including knife crime, domestic assault, sexual abuse and county lines. Not only does the statue act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, it also acts as a memorial designed to commemorate the lives lost through violent and thoughtless actions.
The installation will be the first time that the Knife Angel statute has appeared in either Suffolk, Cambridgeshire or Norfolk.
The tragic event that precipitated the Knife Angel’s visit to Haverhill was the fatal stabbing of Harley Barfield in 2023. To help bring the statue to Haverhill, a GoFundMe page was created which has since raised more than £2,400. Other fund-raising events include a bake sale and raffle.
The project of bringing the Knife Angel has been supported by Haverhill Town Council who will assist with related projects and financial management.
Find out more on the Knife Angel statue coming to Haverhill by clicking HERE.
