Residents at Lowerfield have been given defibrillator training after raising money to have one installed in their independent living scheme.
The social housing tenants raised the money after witnessing someone needing medical treatment.
65-year-old Lorraine Smith who lives in Lowerfield in Farington, Leyland, raised £1,200 over a month with the support of her fellow Progress Housing Group tenants by holding a hot pot supper, raffle and auction, and organising a tabletop sale.
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Fundraisers also held a sponsored head shave, and local shops and businesses showed their support by making donations.
Progress Housing Group then boosted the amount raised by contributing from its Charity Fund to take the total to the £1,566 needed to purchase the defibrillator. They also arranged for two members of its electrical team to install it.
Lorraine said: “One of the tenants at Lowerfield started with heart failure and needed urgent medical help from the paramedics. Everything was okay, but there are a lot of tenants here with heart conditions, so it could happen again. I thought that if we had a defibrillator and knew how to use it, it might save a life whilst waiting for an ambulance.
“It was great to see so many people supporting the fundraising. I didn’t do it all on my own, as another tenant, Christine Dickinson, helped me.
“I am also really grateful for Progress Housing Group’s help, as they contributed funds and supported me in organising for the defibrillator to come and then installing it.”
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Shortly after the defibrillator was installed, Chorley’s Angels delivered training to the tenants.
Lorraine added she would encourage other independent living schemes, community centres and businesses to install defibrillators.
She said: “I think everywhere should have defibrillators. They are expensive but worth it. You can’t put a price on a life.”
Danni Shaw, activities co-ordinator at Progress Housing Group, said: “This is a vital piece of equipment that can help to save lives and our tenants should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.
“We are also grateful to Chorley’s Angels for providing the training, which was very useful.”
Progress Housing Group’s Charity Fund regularly donates funds to local community groups or is used to match fund tenant or colleague fundraising. If any charities or community groups would like to apply for funds, contact the Progress Involvement Team on 01772 450669.
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