A COUNCILLOR'S campaign which was motivated by the loss of his cousin aged 25 to sudden adult death syndrome has seen a defibrillator installed at a pub.

A life-saving defibrillator has been installed at the Gerard Arms on Dentons Green Lane, as part of Eccleston councillor Michael Haw's ‘HeartBeat’ campaign; which is working to increase the provision of defibrillator devices across the area.

Cllr Haw has been actively campaigning for defibrillators to be installed since the death of his cousin Chris Haw aged 25 of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in 2006.

The defibrillator at the Gerard was paid for through donations from the community and is situated by the main entrance to the building in a secure cabinet which can be accessed by the public 24/7 in case of an emergency.

Staff members, user groups and pub regulars will also be trained in how to use the device by the North-West Ambulance Service (NWAS) – to ensure there will always be someone on duty who is able to use the defibrillator.

Cllr Haw said: “I am delighted that a 24-hour public access defibrillator has been installed at the Gerard Arms, which will serve as an important safety asset for the local community. Medical help is not always on hand in an emergency, so having quick access to a defibrillator can make all the difference.

"A massive thank you to all those that kindly donated towards the purchase of the device and secure cabinet, it truly is appreciated."

Mark Hayes, manager of the Gerard Arms, added: “We’re very happy to have a defibrillator installed at the Gerard Arms. The support received from the local community has been amazing, and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated towards the funding of the defibrillator device.

"Although we hope it never has to be used, the installation of the life-saving device will make it a safer place for local people”.

As part of the ‘HeartBeat’ campaign, defibrillators have already been installed at various other locations across Eccleston, Eccleston Park and surrounding areas, with plans in place to install defibrillators at further key locations in the future.

  • If anybody would like to donate towards the purchase of a defibrillator device as part of the ‘HeartBeat’ campaign, then please contact Cllr Michael Haw on either cllrmhaw@sthelens.gov.uk or 07837 759 432.