Life saving defibrillator for Oldends Lane playing fields

THANKS to a true community effort led by Stonehouse parkrun and Stonehouse town FC, a new defibrillator has been installed at Oldends Lane playing fields in Stonehouse.

The team behind Stonehouse parkrun had been fundraising for a defibrillator and cabinet for the field as part of a nationwide campaign to put the life saving kit everywhere there’s a parkrun.

Stonehouse town FC stepped in to help when Gloucester based club Longlevens AFC offered up a free defibrillator in a twitter poll.

The club had raised money for three defibrillators after former player Mark Moore suffered a cardiac arrest whilst playing in August 2012.

Thanks to some fantastic local support, Stonehouse won the twitter poll and received the kit for free.

A grant from Gloucester County Council’s Active Together fund supported by Councillor Lesley Williams and fundraising by the parkrunners – including a Christmas raffle at Stonehouse Goodwill evening - could then be used towards a secure cabinet.

Local firm EESI group services stepped in to fit the cabinet for free.

And Stonehouse town council are helping with the long term upkeep as well as making sure the device was safely mounted.

John Tierney, Event Director for Stonehouse parkrun commented “It’s been amazing to see the community spirit on show every week at parkrun. And even better to see the football club, parkrunners, council, EESI group services and so many other people come together to make this happen. Of course we hope it’s never needed, but should the worse happen it’s so reassuring to know we have the right equipment to help at any time.”

The newly installed defibrillator is on the corner of the pavilion at Oldends Lanes playing fields.

Anyone can access it at any time by dialling 999.

The emergency services can hand out the access code and support anyone who needs to use the equipment while an ambulance is on the way.

For less dramatic days, Stonehouse parkrun is a free 5km run, walk or jog open to everyone, every Saturday at 9am.

Find out more at parkrun.org.uk/stonehouse/

Stonehouse Town FC are a thriving local football club with five senior teams.

There is a team for all standards with the club's first team playing in Gloucestershire County League through to its fourth team in Stroud Division Seven.