Charity plans to install dozens of defibrillators

A charity is hoping to install more than one defibrillator a week throughout 2025 to cater for a town's growing population.

Josh Bell, who founded Donate for Defib in Weston-super-Mare, said they were aiming to install 50-60 more devices across North Somerset next year.

He explained defibrillators were "essential all year round, but especially at Christmas", when areas were busy.

It comes as the charity, only set up in August last year, is recognised for its work by being invited to Parliament.

Mr Bell said people knowing the location of the nearest defibrillator was "vital".

He explained that over Christmas, the charity would be "open 24/7 with our on-call phone to make sure if of the defibs are used, we can enable them to be Rescue Ready again".

There are currently about 30 of the life-saving devices in Weston-super-Mare, but Mr Bell said more than 100 more were needed.

"With Weston-super-Mare growing... they want them in a three-minute walk return. So one-point-five minute walk to the defib and back to the patient."

He said the Howards Motor Group have a defibrilliator on every site and the charity was also working with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to deliver more.

Most recently, the devices have been used to save lives at the Revo Kitchen along the seafront and by the George and Dragon pub in town, both within the last few weeks, he added.

They have also been used on golf courses, in local schools and churches.

On 30 January, Mr Bell and his team will visit parliament with their local MP Dan Aldridge.

"And we'll also be then developing a six year strategy report," he added.

He said the visit would also be about "showcasing our work, enabling that strategy report to be published and also enabling the support of our local MP to enable further defibrillators to be produced and also to be installed within our town".

Mr Bell, who had cardiac surgery at six weeks old, said there were about 30,000 cardiac arrest deaths in UK each year, something he was trying to change.

He explained his own cardiologist is part of the charity's team.

"It shows that this is what communities are like - communities are pulling together, making a difference and saving lives."

Mr Bell added that he was "amazed" with what the charity had achieved since it launched.

"I'm really proud of myself, but also the whole team."

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