Family of James Cook, who suffered fatal stab wounds on Castlegate, Newark, on ‘crusade’ to fund life-saving bleed kits for town

After the death of their beloved husband, father, and friend, the loved ones of a Newark man are now on a ‘crusade’ to help other people in their hours of need.

James Cook, 40, died in April this year after suffering from stab wounds in Castlegate, Newark, leaving behind his wife Adele, daughters Lilly-May, 18, Olivia, 16, and 14-year-old Ruby Doodles.

A 22-year-old man was later arrested and charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place, pleading not guilty, and is due to stand trial in November.

And now, James’s family and their friends have joined forces to create the fundraising group Cookie’s Crusaders, aiming to raise money for life-saving ‘bleed kits’ to be installed in and around Newark.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Adele said that she fears knife crime in this country is becoming as rife as gun crime in the USA.

“Our whole lives changed for the worse on May 1 and I wouldn’t wish what we are going through on my worst enemy,” she said.

“We feel that it’s not safe any more,” she said, “My eldest wants to go out in town now that she’s 18 but I can’t let her.

“There are so many questions going around in our heads, if we had done anything differently would the outcome have been different?

“Maybe if one of these bleed kits had been available, he might still be with us, but we just don’t know.”

The bleed kits are specialized first aid kits with essential equipment like tourniquets, haemostatic dressings, and trauma dressings, designed to manage life-threatening bleeding from traumatic injuries before emergency services arrive.

The kits, Cookie’s Crusaders hope, will be installed in public spaces, workplaces, and other high-risk areas for use by the public to hopefully save a life.

To give them a head-start in their bid to raise at least £2,000 to purchase bleed kits for Newark, the Crusaders are planning to climb Mt Snowdon in Wales on September 14, and so far around 17 people will be taking part.

“We want to create a legacy for James, we want him to never be forgotten,” Adele said. “We want his name to always be remembered here in his home town attached to something that will save a life.

“Even if we can save just one life, something good will have come out of the worst time of our lives.”

You can make a donation to the cause via the online page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ellie-milao-1?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL

Adele’s sister Ellie said: “The past few months have been an unimaginable nightmare as I've watched my sister and her three daughters navigate this devastating loss. While I can't take away their pain, I'm committed to helping them find something positive amidst this tragedy.

“These bleed control kits are as vital to our community as defibrillators, providing essential, immediate help that can save lives.

“By supporting us, you're not just donating—you're directly helping to protect your friends, family, and neighbours. Join us in turning our grief into action and making Newark a safer place for everyone."