On the morning of Friday 1st March 2024, the user community of Thatcham Memorial Hall and Playing Field joined Newbury Member of Parliament Laura Farris to mark the recent installation of a new automated external defibrillator [AED]. The Chairman of the Foundation, Mr Nathan Gregory welcomed those gathered outside the Memorial Hall, highlighting that all those present had contributed to the new device, either personally or though there groups.
The AED was provided by London Hearts and heavily subsidised by the Department of Health and Social Care ‘Defib Fund’. The remaining funds required to purchase the device came from the Foundation’s own reserves and donations by Smart Parking UK and My Car Boots. Mr Gregory made mention of Jon Lane of Aura Electrics who installed the device at no cost.
The Chairman then invited Laura Farris MP to unveil a plaque recognising the community effort that made its installation possible. On unveiling the plaque Ms Farris commented “Congratulations to all those people who have fundraised to make this possible. Whilst I hope this will never be used, they are real assets to have within the constituency and I am pleased to play a small role in facilitating support for this device from the DHSC Defib Fund.”
In addition to the cost of the new device the Foundation must find £150 per annum for running costs to support, electricity and insurance as well as the pads and batteries which are consumables. Mr Gregory said “we are grateful to members of the onsite community who have contributed to an ongoing maintenance fund, this will ensure its readiness should it be required” representatives from Jump 4 You and Thatcham Tennis Club were present alongside three trustees who made personal donations. Anyone wishing to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the AED should contact the Foundation Office on 01635 868244. The group moved into the Memorial Hall for a display of the device by Dr Nick young, formerly of HeartStart Thatcham. Dr Young talked about the benefits of these devices, demonstrated the ease of use, and spoke of the improved chance of survival from being within 4 minutes’ of an AED.
