#heartsafe15: Life-saving defibrillator installed at Wednesfield community centre
A life saving defibrillator has been installed at a community centre in Wednesfield as part of the Express & Star's #heartsafe15 campaign.
The St Thomas Centre in Church Street got on board the campaign earlier this week after Wednesbury Rotary Club helped fund the device.
Jamie Richard, from fundraisers AEDDonate, who have joined up with the Express & Star to run the campaign, visited the centre to unveil the defibrillator and talk to people from the community about the campaign.
He said: "The launch at St Thomas Centre went really well and everyone was really pleased. The defibrillator was supported and backed by the rotary club.
"They saw the campaign in the Express & Star and got in touch with us to ask how they could help before deciding they wanted one of their own installed in Wednesfield.
"It was installed on Monday and we've been talking this morning about getting a community heart start course at the centre to teach local people about how they are used.
"As a whole, some people are quite apprehensive to use them but people are really easy and surprised at how easy they are to use."
Mr Richard added: "The campaign is going well with Wolverhampton Homes, St Thomas Centre and a few more in the pipeline. There is lots happening in the background."
#heartsafe15 has already been backed by a host of notable people across the West Midlands including Slade frontman Noddy Holder and Wolverhampton MPs Pat McFadden, Emma Reynolds, and Rob Marris.
Over 100,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest across the United Kingdom each year and the campaign has been launched to fund potentially life-saving defibrillators in the city.
Meanwhile, a free defibrillator training event is being held at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall to help continue fundraising and locals are invited to learn free life-saving techniques at the event on Saturday, September 5.
Kevin Turner, fundraiser at AEDdonate, said: "The idea is that it is an open day for anybody in Wolverhampton to come along and learn how to use a defibrillator and to do CPR lifesaving, so in the case of anybody having a cardiac arrest, people will know what to do."
Businesses or groups wanting to get involved and wanting further details can call AEDdonate on 01785 472 224.
You can also give by text message by texting 'AEDW50' to 70070 followed by how much you want to donate.
Alternatively, donations can be made online by going to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/wolverhampton-aed-campaign.
We are also encouraging people to take part in the campaign on Twitter by tweeting us with the hashtag #heartsafe15.
