South Northants community first responders’ year-long fundraising leads to purchase of defibrillator

The extra money was donated by the shopping centre bosses after Covid restrictions limited the support they could offer.

A group of highly trained volunteers who act as first responders to emergencies have been working with a shopping centre over the last 12 months to raise money.

Through fundraising at Weston Favell Shopping Centre and donations from the company, the first responders have been able to buy a defibrillator, as well as other essential equipment.

The South Northants community responders scheme was set up because approximately 600 people, die each year unnecessarily of cardiac arrest and in June 2019 Weston Favell Shopping Centre chose the group as its charity of the year.

Over the course of the 12 months, first responders visited the centre to offer first aid workshops as well as raising awareness for the scheme and collecting funds for the vital work that they do.

Due to Covid restrictions, the centre was unable to offer the same kind of support as previous months, so donated a final £2,000 towards the scheme in the hope that it will help them attend emergency calls in the local area.

David Smith, scheme coordinator for the South Northants community responders, said: “I would like to thank Weston Favell for supporting us over the last year.

“The money donated will go towards supporting our communities.

“It has been great to have carried out many events at the centre to show the support given by Weston Favell and also to show the public who we are.”

Weston Favell Shopping centre’s Manager, Kevin Legg added: “We were pleased to work with the South Northants Community Responders over the last year or so, hosting workshops and raising much-needed monies that can fund essential equipment, including oxygen and an Automated External Defibrillator, as well as pay for insurance and fuel for a scheme car, that has enabled the Community First Responders to attend emergency calls in the area.

“Even though our partnership has come to an end, we will still look to welcome the team back on-site for future activities and increase awareness throughout our local community.”

Weston Favell Shopping Centre has decided to no longer select just one charity of the year, but instead work closely with several charitable causes in the local area.

Visit the centre’s website to contact the team about fundraising.

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