Leigh Westwood, team leader of Crowborough Community First Responders [CFR], said: “Community spirit and wellbeing should be at the forefront of all Crowborough residents’ minds.
“Our town is growing, local businesses expanding and new shops opening, it’s an exciting time.
“It was a shame that this was mildly tainted when one of the Public Access Defibrillators was vandalised recently, taking it out of service.”
Robin is the owner of The Health Insurance Specialists [THIS], a private health insurance brokerage based on Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells.
“He recognises the importance of AED units and paid for an immediate replacement to be fitted by the Town Hall,” said Leigh.
There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year. Without rapid treatment the chance of survival decreases by more by ten per cent every minute.
“It’s a scary statistic – but one that can be combatted by having units like these fitted throughout town centres,” said Leigh. “Use of a defibrillator can aid chances of survival.
“Whilst we can’t prevent thefts or vandalism like this, it’s vital we raise awareness of the lifesaving work they are able to do.
“As a community, we must take pride and control in town safety. Thank you to Robin for helping to make a positive change to our community.
Funds that were raised through other local sources in response to the incident have been ring-fenced for future Public Access Defibrillator deployments.
