A BID has been launched by a Worcester student to raise enough cash to install a new life-saving defibrillator near a busy city junction in memory of her friend, who passed away following a collision.
University of Worcester paramedic student Amy Shadbolt has set up a GoFundMe page to fund a new defibrillator at the Henwick Road Co-Op, as well as raise more awareness of basic life support skills.
She has currently raised over £850 towards her cause.
In October 2022, Amy witnessed a collision on the junction between Henwick Road and Oldbury Road which led to the death of her coursemate and friend.
The 21-year-old said at the time of the collision, there were no accessible defibrillators available to use when they needed one, and despite their best efforts, they were unable to save their friend.
Amy added although using a defibrillator does not guarantee a good outcome, research showed along with basic life support, they do help improve the survival rate of those suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Alongside the University of Worcester, Amy has already helped to ensure the defibrillators on campus are on external walls and accessible.
They have also registered their defibrillators on the Circuit, the national database, and added more around campus.
And the University’s Para Society has also donated 20 per cent of cash raised by their CPR marathon towards the campaign.
The Henwick Road defibrillator will cost around £900 with the external heated locked cabinet setting Amy back a further £500.
After the defibrillator has been installed, any cash left over will be donated to the British Heart Foundation or to fund another defibrillator.
Amy told the Observer: “I’ve had support from family, friends and many others, and am now hoping to get more local support to make this happen.
“I feel very grateful for the support I’ve had in this so far, it’s a topic close to my heart and so important.
“Moving forward I would love to do basic life support sessions in local schools and the community.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/public-defib-on-henwick-road-coop to donate.
