Firm’s free offer of lifesaving equipment (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Firm’s free offer of lifesaving equipment

9:50am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News

AN international firm has offered to provide a free community defibrillator which could be used to save lives in Tottington.

John McMurtry, sales manager for HeartSine, wants to donate the equipment after reading about the theft of a collection bucket for the Tottington Community Defibrillator Appeal in last week’s Bury Times.

The bucket was stolen by burglars who broke into The Co-operative store in Market Street at 2.10am on Wednesday, August 15. No arrests have been made.

It was a blow to the appeal’s organiser, Judith Kelly, who has raised nearly half of the £1,750 needed for the defibrillator in just two months.

Mr McMurtry, who is based in Belfast, said: “I was touched by Judith’s efforts, which were thwarted by the burglars. I have it in my power to donate devices and I thought this was a worthy cause which needed a helping hand.”

Mr McMurtry also plans to contact another firm to see if they can donate a box to hold the defibrillator.

Mrs Kelly, of Rhine Close, said: “I’m bowled over. I can’t believe the generosity. It’s great to get this offer of a defibrillator.

“It’s fantastic for Tottington and brilliant that something good has come out of the break-in.”

The community defibrillator would be installed in a public place in the village to provide easy access.

If someone suffered a cardiac arrest, the equipment could be used by members of the public to restart their heart.

The device will need to be approved by the North West Ambulance Service before it can be accepted from HeartSine.

In the meantime, fundraising continues with a race night organised by Peel Lions, which will be held on Saturday, September 22, at St Anne’s Church Hall.

Tickets cost £5 and are available from Mrs Kelly on judithhale28@hotmail.com