Thanks to the efforts of local fundraisers, the Somer Valley Rotary Club and children from the School Council at Kilmersdon Primary School, a new, life-saving defibrillator has been installed, taking the tally to two devices within the village.

In December 2017, villagers Ken Hutton and Yvonne Kirkby decided to raise money for a defibrillator in Kilmersdon, which is now secured to the wall outside Norton Garden Machinery, with a green light at the top of the box to highlight its important existence at night.

Such was the response, and the overwhelming generosity of the residents of Kilmersdon, local organisations and businesses, not only did the team achieve enough for the defibrillator, but they could also begin to afford a second, with Kilmersdon School chosen as the location. As a result, the pupils have been learning about defibrillators and have heard first hand stories about how they have saved lives.

With help from the Somer Valley Rotary Club, who provided the defibrillator and the rest of the money going towards the casing and installation, the life-saving piece of equipment is now in place. Michael Cosh, from the Somer Valley Rotary Club Community Committee, told The Journal last week: “The club has been involved in the installation of a number of defibrillators in surrounding villages, and we were pleased to help in this particular case, where it may well save a child’s life.”

Whilst the new device can be used on both adults and children, Kilmersdon Primary School’s School Council, who helped to raise the last of the money by selling hot chocolate at school, will again be thinking of further fundraising ideas to help buy specialist defibrillator pads for children.

Seven million people die each year, worldwide, by Sudden Cardiac Arrest, killing 250 people a day in the UK and together with effective CPR, defibrillation is the only way to re-establish the heart’s natural rhythm.

Fundraiser, Ken Hutton, said: “Quick action saves lives. A defibrillator in Kilmersdon will be an investment for life.”

CPR/Defibrillator training is available – if anyone would like to attend a session, please contact: 07801 438137.