Aidan unveils drive’s eighth defibrillator

ATRAILBLAZING teenager from Widnes has unveiled two more defibrillators dotted around Halton bringing the grand total of equipment he has raised funds for to buy to eight.

Aidan Jackson, 17, of Francis Close in Ditton, has generated more than £35,000 over the last five years for several charities and good causes.

His fundraising began in 2014 after his close friend Olivia Walker passed away aged just 15.

Olivia had complex disabilities and her family wanted to set up a foundation in her memory to help other children and young adults like her.

Aidan made it his mission to fundraise for the foundation and he completed many challenges along the way.

Last August, the Widnes teenager decided that he wanted to fundraise to purchase a community defibrillator in his local area.

He had meetings with North West

Ambulance Service where he obtained advice and eventually raised more than £1,500 for his first defibrillator.

Over the past 12 months, the fundraising has continued and Aidan has purchased eight defibrillators which have been placed at sites across Halton – five in Widnes and three in Runcorn.

The most recent unveilings took place in Runcorn at HomeSmart Lettings on High Street and at APEC Taxis on Boston Avenue.

Aidan hopes to raise funds for more defibrillators as he feels that these should be in all areas in order to save lives, according to his mother Caroline.

In order to help generate the further funds, he has organised a lifesavers themed non-uniform and fancy dress day where he is inviting schools, nurseries, care homes and workplaces to take part, with participants making a donation towards purchasing more defibrillators.

Those taking part are being encouraged to dress up as members of the emergency services.

He is also busy organising his fourth annual Christmas Carol Concert Fundraiser which he holds at the family home.

Thw event is planned for Saturday, December 21, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.