Harlow Rugby Club would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Tommy Jones Project for their generous donation of a bleed control kit – a vital piece of emergency equipment that could one day help save a life.
This is far more than a standard first aid kit. It comes from a powerful local initiative founded by Mel Hopwood, a Harlow resident, in loving memory of her son Tommy Jones, who tragically lost his life to knife crime.
In Tommy’s name, the project carries a clear and urgent message:
“We Stand for Change – Say No to Knife Crime.”
About The Tommy Jones Project
The Tommy Jones Project is a non-profit organisation committed to raising awareness of knife crime, supporting victims and their families, and driving meaningful change within our community. Their inspiring work includes:
- Distributing emergency bleed control kits across Harlow and Essex,
- Delivering educational workshops and support programmes,
- Collecting and safely disposing of weapons, and
- Providing emotional support for families affected by grief and trauma.
How Bleed Control Kits Help Save Lives
Each bleed control kit is carefully stocked with essential tools designed to help control severe bleeding in the crucial minutes before emergency services arrive. Inside, you will find:
- Tourniquets – Used to stop life-threatening bleeding from limbs.
- Pressure dressings and bandages – Easy-to-use materials that help minimise blood loss.
- Sterile gloves and gauze – Ensuring hygiene and effective wound care.
With clear instructions and a user-friendly layout, these kits can be used by anyone in an emergency, providing precious time until professional help arrives.
Community Spirit in Action
The success of this project reflects the incredible power of community support – residents, businesses, and organisations across Harlow coming together to fundraise, donate, and promote safety for all.
A special mention goes to Wendy Ellis, a long-standing Harlow Rugby Club member and passionate supporter of The Tommy Jones Project. Wendy organised a fundraising day at the club, which raised an amazing £798.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who took part, the funds have already made a real difference – helping to purchase a new bleed control kit and secure box for Harlow Railway Station, as well as covering the project’s email and website costs for a full year.
This fantastic result is a testament to Wendy’s dedication and the compassion of everyone involved with The Tommy Jones Project. Your hard work and community spirit are a true inspiration.
A Shared Commitment to Change
We are proud to support The Tommy Jones Project and have now installed the donated bleed control kit behind the bar at Harlow Rugby Club, making it readily accessible in case of emergency.
This invaluable addition to our first aid resources serves as both a practical safety measure and a powerful reminder of the importance of community action and awareness.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mel Hopwood, Wendy Ellis, and everyone involved with The Tommy Jones Project. Your efforts are saving lives, inspiring change, and strengthening our community – and we are honoured to play a small part in sharing your message.
#WeStandForChange #SayNoToKnifeCrime #TommyJonesProject #HarlowCommunity #ThankYou
Harlow Rugby Club
