Sunderland fan buses to carry bleed kits to games

Sunderland supporters heading to away matches next season are to take bleed kits to games to help with injuries caused by accidents or stabbings.

The specialised first aid items, which include dressings and bandages, are used to stop catastrophic bleeding and save lives.

SAFC supporters' branches said 12 coaches will travel with the kits provided by the Connor Brown Trust, a charity set up by the parents of an 18-year-old who was fatally stabbed in the city.

Cath Reid, secretary of the branch liaison council, said: "These kits aren't just for knife crime, it could just be an accident and that's why we want them to not just to keep our fans safe but anyone else who needs them."

The Connor Brown Trust has installed 30 wall-mounted bleed kits across the North East and is looking to introduce more.

Tanya Brown founded the charity after her 18-year-old son was killed in Sunderland in February, 2019.

Speaking on what would have been his 25th birthday, she said: "Bleed kits can make all the difference to someone with a catastrophic bleed.

"It's great to see fans wanting to help save lives and these kits do just that.

"Since we started this project they've been used to stem bleeding, two people are alive because of the kits."

The kits cost £108 each and the 12 for away games have been paid for by the Sunderland AFC Former Players Association.

Richie Pitt, former Sunderland player and association chair, said: "It's important to have these kits as unfortunately we know anything can happen at football matches."

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