North Devon charity gig raises vital funds to install community defibrillator

People living in South Molton will soon benefit from a lifesaving defibrillator thanks to a fundraising gig organised by Hft, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities.

The local band Rakes Adrift put on a night of music at The Castle Inn in Landkey to help raise funds to install the device in the village. 

The event was a huge success and raised more than £1,000.

The drive to fund the defibrillator is being led by staff at Hft, which operates residential and supported living services in the South Molton area, including Oak Tree House in Bampton and Oak Meadow in South Molton.

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Adults supported by the charity use the community facilities at Oak Meadow for activities such as the weekly accessible choir.

During a recent first aid training session, staff realised the nearest defibrillator was a 10-minute sprint uphill to the top of South Molton, a delay that could be critical in an emergency.

Hft Service Manager Kay Nicholls 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.”

Alongside the gig, Hft staff organised a raffle with prizes including fruit baskets, vouchers and signed memorabilia from bands such as G4 and Blue.

So far, more than £1,500 has been raised towards the defibrillator, which is expected to cost around £2,500. 

The charity hopes to secure the remaining funds through grants.

Kay added: “It was an absolutely fantastic night and everyone had a great time.

“It was really well supported by the local community who gave very generously in prizes as well as buying tickets for the raffle.”

Hft is now working with a local defibrillator charity to choose the right device for South Molton.

Anyone interested in supporting the fundraising or making a donation can contact Kay Nicholls at kay.nicholls@hft.org.uk.