Ben Foster backs defib campaign

The West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper and former North Leamington School pupil was at The Leopard pub on Wednesday to unveil a defibrillator.

Residents have been raising funds for a the defibrillator in recent months led by Jackie Prior and Sarah Sabin who have organised street parties, raffles, face painting, bouncy castles, and a ‘Come Dine With Me’ evening.

They were inspired by The Heart fo England Defibrillator Campaign, which was set upby Adrian Lewis of the non-profit organisation Defibfinder.

Reflecting on a successful 12 months for the campaign Mr Lewis, a Leamington businessman whose 16-year-old goddaughter Ria Hickerton died of sudden Arrhythmic death syndrome, said: “It’s been an exciting year for The Heart of England Defibrillator Campaign with help and support from individuals, communities and local businesses.

“As the campaign and the fundraising is ongoing a number of sites are earmarked for a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) and will be arriving shortly.

“Hundreds of members of the public have taken part in familiarity training over the past year - giving people the confidence to use a defibrillator in an emergency.”

The campaign has had support from town, district and county councillors, The Rotary Club of Warwick and Leamington Round Table.

Whitnash mayor Adrian Barton, Westgate Primary School and Chase Meadow resident Sarah Langford have also got involved.

Defibfnder’s aim is to make Warwick district one of the safest places to live by having defibrillators located in as many public places as possible.

For more information visit www.defibfinder.org