Life-saving bleed control packs have been installed across Liverpool in memory of Ava White.
The 12-year-old was killed in Liverpool city centre in November 2021 following an argument about a Snapchat video. Ava died in hospital after being stabbed in the neck with a flick-knife by a boy, then 14, following the disagreement at an event for the switching-on of Christmas lights.
The boy, who has since turned 15, ditched the weapon, gave a false alibi and blamed another boy for killing Ava, before changing his story and claiming to have acted in self defence. The boy, from South Liverpool, was convicted of murder and handed a life sentence at Liverpool Crown Court in July last year.
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The Archdiocese of Liverpool said it wanted to support Ava's family in their quest to encourage public venues to have the life-saving kit. The bleed control packs have been installed in all 37 parish centres in memory of Ava, who was in year 8 at Notre Dame Catholic College when she was killed.
Speaking regarding the bleed control packs, Ava's mum Leeann White said: "We are so proud to hear that the Archdiocese of Liverpool has installed 37 lifesaving bleed control kits in Ava’s memory. We can’t thank you enough for all the love and support you have shown us."
Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital where she died of her injuries. In an interview in October last year, Ava's older sister Mia White said: "Ava was funny, she was loving, she was caring, she was kind. She was just how every child is at 12. Ava was just like a little light that never ever dimmed down."
Ava's family set up the Ava White Foundation following her death to raise awareness and money for bleed-control kits, which are designed to treat stab wounds before professional medical help arrives. Her family has also started a petition to make it a legal requirement to have the kits in all public places.
The Archdiocese of Liverpool's operational management team of Brian Lowry and Kim Schofield delivered the kits to all the parish centres. A spokesperson for the archdiocese said parish centre managers will complete training in using the packs - and help raise awareness in the local community in case they have to be used.
Jill Boggan, director of finance at the Archdiocese of Liverpool said: "We were all shocked and devastated at Ava’s death and as she was part of our archdiocesan community and we very much support the family in their quest to encourage public venues to have this life-saving equipment.
"Our parish centres are very much embedded in their local communities so they seemed like an ideal location to have the packs installed."
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