Given that around 200 people visit the William and Patricia Venton Centre in Northampton every week, Age UK Northamptonshire has felt the need for an automated external defibrillator to be located in the building for a long time. But the funds to pay for this vital piece of equipment were just not available.

Following an appeal to local Masons, the Provincial Grand Charity of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire generously made a grant of £1,300 to enable the local charity to buy an automated defibrillator. Paul Bertin, Chairman of the charity’s board of trustees said “We cannot thank them enough.”

On Monday 25th April 2022, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, WBro Gerry Crawford, and the Secretary of the Provincial Grand Charity, WBro John Rivett, handed over the defibrillator to the

Paul Bertin, and Sales and Marketing Manager, Roger Harris. Roger was the driving force behind the charity acquiring the defibrillator, having had personal experience of being with a work colleague who suffered a heart attack and would have benefited from a defibrillator being available.

The small device, which comes with full instructions and is mounted on an internal wall, could make all the difference if someone goes into cardiac arrest at the day centre. It is envisaged that older day centre clients are most likely to benefit from the availability of the defibrillator, but

…/

…/

anyone of any age can suffer a cardiac arrest, so the essential piece of equipment could one day save a life.

Gerry Crawford said “We are very happy fund the purchase of the defibrillator for Age UK Northamptonshire because the Provincial Grand Charity is all about supporting the local community. We raise funds precisely so that we can support this kind of community project and we have been very impressed by the work that Age UK Northamptonshire does in the county.”

Paul Bertin and Chief Executive Chris Duff [not pictured] asked Gerry and John to pass on his very sincere thanks to the Provincial Grand Charity and was delighted to welcome them to the William and Patricia Venton Centre to see where the defibrillator is now located.

Paul added “Donations such as these are key to the charity being able to support older people. Any donation of any amount will make a positive difference and is always welcome. We welcome donations via our website and full details of other ways to donate are also on our website.”

To find out more about the services and support provided by Age UK Northamptonshire, or to get involved with fundraising activities, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire or call 01604 611200.