Lions defibrillator unveiled in Banbury

Banbury town mayor Tony Mepham, Banbury M&S store manager Rhys Bull and Lions Rita Kimberger and Ian Wilson. Picture by Julian Dancer. NNL-160802-105820001

The first public access defibrillator in Banbury has been installed in the Market Place.

The fundraising project to raise the £2,000 target was set up by Banbury Lions about 18 months ago, and they organised various events including a concert and a ‘Mile of Coins’ to reach the amount.

The machine, which gives an electric shock to the heart of somebody suffering a cardiac arrest, was unveiled last Friday.

Ian Wilson, Banbury Lions president, said “We would like to thank Community Heartbeat Trust for their advice and support during this project.

“We would also like to thank the staff at Marks and Spencer for helping to host the unit outside their store and their help in installing the unit. In particular we would like to thank all of the people of Banbury who generously donated to our cause and made our first public access defibrillator possible”.

The “Defibtech VIEW” defibrillator prompts the user with both audio and video information when used, and the cabinet is stainless steel, waterproof & vandal proof.

The Lions are now working with Spratt Endicott Solicitors towards their second unit to be installed later this year close to Banbury Cross.

Past Lion President Rita Kimberger said: “Banbury Lions are a service club supporting both local and international causes. We were looking for a project which would directly help our local community, and we felt that town centre public access defibrillators would be ideal”.

The Lions are now working with Spratt Endicott Solicitors towards their second unit, which will be installed in a location close to Banbury Cross later this year. If any other local businesses are interested in working with the Lions to get further defibrillators, they can contact us via our website www.banburylions.co.uk or phone 0845 833 2924.

If members of the public would like to donate towards the town centre defibrillator project visit mydonate.bt.com/charities/thelionsclubofbanbury

Text “LION23 £2” to 70070 to donate £2 to Banbury Lions Defibrillator Appeal. Or text any amount between £1 and £10.