A potentially life-saving defibrillator has been installed outside Hartley Court in New Hartley with thanks to the fantastic fund-raising efforts of the elderly residents living there. 

 

The residents of the county council’s sheltered housing scheme held various events to raise £2,000 for the defibrillator, organising coffee mornings, cream teas and raffles with their funds topped up by generous donations from local residents. 

Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, cabinet member with responsibility for Looking after our Environment said: 

”The presence of this vital piece of equipment has offered some reassurance for the local community. I hope that no one ever needs to use it, but in the event they do, it could literally prove to be a lifesaver.” 

“The residents worked very hard to raise the funds for the defibrillator, but all had tremendous fun in the process attending the events that were laid on. A special thank you must go to every single person who helped or donated to this very important cause including the committee of the New Hartley Memorial Hall, staff at Hartley Court and councillors past and present for their support. Well done everyone!” 

A defibrillator can increase the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest from 5% to up to 75%. 
 

The device has now been registered with The Circuit – the national defibrillator network which connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services across the UK so it can be accessed quickly to help save a life in the crucial moments after a cardiac arrest.