Members of Randwick Women’s Institute (WI) have officially handed over the first of four life-saving bleed kits to be installed across the village, marking the culmination of a successful community fundraising effort.
The first kit has been placed at the defibrillator located at Randwick Village Hall, with additional kits to be located at The Vine Tree Inn, The Carpenters Arms in Westrip and Randwick School. Each kit will be positioned in, or close to, existing defibrillator sites to ensure they are easily accessible in an emergency.
The initiative was inspired by a visit from Midlands Air Ambulance in 2025, where WI members were taught basic lifesaving skills, introduced to bleed kits and learned how their contents can help save lives in the critical moments following a serious injury. Determined to bring this potentially life-saving equipment to the village, Randwick WI set about raising the necessary funds.
A series of community events made the project possible, including a well-supported quiz night at The Vine Tree Inn and catering for a Mikron Theatre Company performance. The funds raised enabled the WI to purchase all four kits.
Rachael Lythgoe, President of Randwick WI, said: “The WI has a long history as a campaigning organisation, and at Randwick WI we are proud to bring that spirit to a local level. After learning how vital bleed kits can be in an emergency, we felt strongly that our village should have access to them. This has been a real community effort and we’re delighted to see the first kit now in place.
“We are very grateful to Randwick Parish Council for agreeing to maintain the bleed kits and ensure they remain ready for use if ever needed.”
Rob Davies, Chair of Randwick and Westrip Parish Council added: “On behalf of Randwick and Westrip Parish Council I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Randwick WI for the purchase and generous donation of bleed kits to the community.
“Having these kits alongside our defibrillators provides added reassurance that help is close at hand in an emergency. We are proud to support this WI-led initiative and will ensure the kits are maintained and ready for use.”
Bleed kits contain essential equipment designed to help control severe bleeding, giving bystanders the tools they need to act quickly while waiting for emergency services. Though it is hoped they will never be needed, their presence provides reassurance and could prove critical in saving lives.
Randwick WI would like to thank everyone who supported the fundraising events and helped make this important project a reality.
