Immediate future for Community First Responders secured

THE immediate future of the Shepshed Lions Club Community First Responders has been secured - but more fundraising is needed to keep the service running on a long-term basis.

The First Responders are a team of volunteers who give their time freely supporting our local communities in Shepshed, Loughborough and the surrounding villages, supporting East Midlands Ambulance Service.

It provides emergency care to patients in the community who are suffering from serious medical emergencies. These include cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, asthma anaphylactic shock, diabetic emergencies, difficulty breathing and falls.

It launched an appeal in January to raise £10,500 by the end of March to fund a three year lease on a Skoda saloon car - this had previously been financed by East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) which isn’t able to carry on when the existing agreement stops.

The latest boost to the appeal came from the Shepshed Lions group which has donated £1,000.

Lion President Bill Holland said: “The Ambulance Service is clearly under great pressure, and the First Responders have saved lives and provided support to many people since they were established.

“Having a properly marked up car is important in maintaining the service they provide, and the Lions are pleased to be able to help out.”

First Responders co-ordinator Bob Lilley said cash and pledges made since the appeal was launched now stands at £7,000 so the group has been able to secure the vehice but needed to continue fund-raising past the initial March 30 deadliine to secure the remainder of the money.

• If anyone is able to assist with the appeal please contact Bob Lilley on 07585 772902 or by e-mail at thelilleys15@gmail.com