South Molton launches fundraiser for defibrillator

A fundraising campaign has been launched in South Molton to raise money for a lifesaving defibrillator for the community.

The idea for the fundraising campaign began when staff at Hft, a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, were taking part in first aid training. 

During the session, they recognised the need for a defibrillator at the charity’s Oak Meadow supported living service in South Molton and decided to raise money to purchase and install the lifesaving device.

As well as the supported living service, where six adults with learning disabilities

live in their own self-contained flats, the charity also has a residential service, Oak

Tree House, in nearby Bampton.

Learning disabled adults supported by both services use the community facilities

at Oak Meadow for a range of activities including attending the charity’s weekly

accessible choir.

Kay Nicholls, Service Manager at Oak Tree House, a nearby residential service, said: “While doing the first aid training we discussed what we would do if someone suffered a cardiac arrest while at the service. We realised that the nearest defibrillator is at the top of the village, which would be a 10-minute sprint up a hill and back again from Oak Trees. At a time when every second counts in saving someone’s life, we thought it was appropriate to look at how we could provide another defibrillator for the town not only to benefit the people we support, but the entire community.”

Kay’s daughter Josie, 17, who is studying health and social care at St Petroc College in Barnstaple, quickly took action and organised a bake sale, raising £85 for the cause. 

Josie was helped by classmate Jodie and Hft support worker Ann to sell a variety of baked treats, including Victoria Sponge, cookies, and flapjacks.

The fundraising efforts will continue with a bingo night at the Coaching Inn in South Molton on April 11, which will raise money through a variety of prizes, including trips to a hair salon and a family ticket to Exmoor Zoo.

Currently, there are two defibrillators in South Molton, located at the community centre and at the sports pitch at South Molton College. 

However, this new fundraising drive hopes to install another device to ensure faster access for the town.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign or make a donation can contact Kay at kay.nicholls@hft.org.uk.