Eight defibrillators to be installed around Melksham

MELKSHAM Without Parish Council will be installing eight defibrillators around the parish.

Thanks to funding from the Friends of Melksham Hospital, Melksham Area Board, local businesses and Bowerhill resident Chris Hardy, the potentially life-saving equipment will be installed in the coming months in Bowerhill, Berryfield, Beanacre, Whitley, Shaw and the new east of Melksham estate.

Chris Hardy recently presented a cheque to the parish council of £1,366 towards the cost of the defibrillators.

Chris said, “I am thrilled to bits to hear that they will be installed. About five years ago my husband Ken had a stent put in and I realised shortly after, that he and many other people could collapse at any time and need the equipment to save their life. I went to cllr Mike Mills and he was very supportive of the idea of installing them. We went to the parish council and things went on from there.

“We put a letter together asking for donations and put it through every door on the industrial estate and we had a fantastic response. I also sold some jewellery I made and donated the money. We were also given a defibrillator by ATI Stellram who were moving out of their premises.

“In Bowerhill we will have three defibrillators; at The Pilot, the pavilion and in the village hall, so there shouldn’t be anyone who is too far away from one if it’s needed.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated, to Rachel Smith who was a co-signature on the account and my husband Ken for posting all the letters.

“Hopefully people are that much safer now and if we save one life, it will all be worth it.”

Richard Wood, chair of the Melksham Without Parish Council said, “We are so pleased to have been able to place an order for defibrillators. They are a vital piece of equipment and could save someone’s life.

“Training sessions will be organised soon as it is a matter of urgency that people are aware of how to use them if a situation arises.”