A life-saving defibrillator has been installed at Appleton Thorn Village Hall thanks to donations by David Wilson Homes, Appleton Parish Council, local villagers and private donators.
A plaque thanking the sponsors has been placed above the Automated External Device (AED) which is located on the outside of the village hall on Stretton Road.
Defibrillators are increasingly being made available in public places as they can significantly increase the chances of survival of someone suffering a cardiac arrest. A locked temperature controlled cabinet has been installed to protect the defibrillator and the code can be accessed from inside the Village Hall, St Cross Church or the Thorn Inn or alternatively by calling 999.
Susan Plass, a Trustee of the Appleton Thorn Village Hall Charity held an unveiling ceremony with the sponsors. She said, “Last year the village hall decided to raise funds for a public defibrillator.
“We have to give thanks to all the donors as this was made possible entirely due to their help.”
Training courses are also taking place at the Appleton Thorn Village Hall, with 30 villagers trained so far in CPR and defibrillator use, although anyone can use the defibrillator as long as the instructions are followed.
David Wilson Homes donated £1,000 to the cause through its Our Space Your Place initiative. The scheme aims to support community projects and local charities throughout the North West.
Lynton Dudgeon, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes, said, “We’re really pleased we could get involved with the Appleton Thorn community by contributing towards a publicly accessible defibrillator.
“This could make all the difference in saving someone’s life in the village and we’re happy we could help such an important cause.”
Cllr Sharon Harris, Chair of Appleton Parish Council, said that she was delighted that the Parish Council had been able to assist in such a worthwhile and positive community project. It is a fundamental ethos of the Parish Council to work together with Community Groups such as Appleton Thorn Village Hall. Whilst, we hope that there will never be a need to use the defibrillator, with the addition of more houses in the village and surrounding areas, it is always ‘best to be prepared’ as the Scouts say. Many congratulations to the Appleton Village Hall Committee on this excellent initiative.
David Wilson Homes has been selected as a developer at the upcoming development on Appleton Cross to deliver much-needed two to five bedroom homes.
