Bleed kit and defib fundraiser welcomes new baby

10 December 2024

Sergeant Kiran Patel and his wife, Krupa, welcomed their first child at Birmingham Women’s Hospital on Tuesday 15 October, naming their baby boy Zaiden.

Earlier in October, Kiran revealed his ambitions to create a legacy for Zaiden by linking a fundraiser for a bleed control kit and a defibrillator in the town of Shirley, Solihull to the upcoming birth.

Supporters of a JustGiving page were invited to enter a competition guessing the baby’s gender, weight and birth date in a comment alongside their donation.

Kiran Patel and his wife, Krupa, welcomed their first their baby boy Zaiden.

Sealing first place in the competition were both Krupa’s sister and a family friend, with guesses closest to Zaiden’s weight as the tot entered the world at five pounds and seven ounces, Kiran shared.

The 34-year-old says he is thoroughly enjoying fatherhood so far: “It’s a very surreal experience, to be honest. In the short time Zaiden has been with us, I feel like I’ve grown as a person already.

“He is getting along well, as is Krupa – she is already an amazing mother.

Fundraiser

“I’m so excited for the times ahead with him, and I can’t wait for him to eventually appreciate the fact he has played a part in something great for his local community.”

Kiran went on to reveal that the success of the fundraiser has been such that plans have now been taken to a new level.

An initial target was set at £1,000 for one bleed kit and one defibrillator to be installed together in a cabinet from the Daniel Baird Foundation – a charity set up to help victims of knife crime and catastrophic bleeds.

Now, a second pair is set to be installed in another Shirley location, after the JustGiving page reached over £1,700 in donations and a government grant was secured to fund half of the defibrillator costs.

“We were over the moon to raise enough money for the first bleed kit and defibrillator, so to now be in a position to replicate that installation in another area is just unbelievable,” Kiran added.

“The support the fundraiser has received from so many different people and organisations is something we are so grateful for – it truly means a lot to us as a family.”

Bleed kits

The sergeant’s connection to the bleed kits – first introduced to the West Midlands by the Daniel Baird Foundation – stems from his involvement with Operation Elevate, a Force project which aims to support and regenerate areas in the county most affected by serious and organised crime.

Great value was also placed on defibrillators after Krupa’s father suffered a cardiac arrest in 2019.

“We are talking about equipment that can be the difference between a life saved or a life lost. They will be an absolutely crucial addition to our community.

“I would like to thank my fellow Federation members for all of their backing with donations, which has proven our commitment as police to protecting life never ends. Even some colleagues whose local area isn’t necessarily close to Shirley have been very supportive, which I appreciate so much.

“When he gets older, I would love for Zaiden to meet the people who made this incredible legacy for his life possible,” Kiran ended.