Specialist company backs life-saving campaign
A Boldon-based firm is backing a bid to making life-saving heart attack equipment more accessible.
HLA Services Ltd has teamed up with charity, Red Sky Foundation, to supply and install public-access defibrillators in the area.
The foundation was launched following the death of West Boldon businessman, Jon Woodhouse to a sudden cardiac arrest, as his family set out to raise money for the machines to be installed in the local area.
The fund raised over £5,000 and defibrillators have now been provided outside West Boldon Post office and at HLA’s headquarters at Boldon Business Park.
Four more are to be installed in Cleadon, East Boldon, Boldon Colliery and another location which is not yet confirmed – all of which the firm is fitting free of charge.
HLA Services works across numerous sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail, education and hospitality and is one of the North’s leading mechanical, air conditioning, climate systems and temperature control specialists.
Neil Henry, director at HLA Services, said: “We knew Jon Woodhouse very well. Alongside his brother, Chris, they formed Redman Design, who work closely with our business. Jon was also a good friend.”
Fellow director Paul Smith added: “We wanted to support Chris, who originally teamed up with Red Sky Foundation, to bring life-saving equipment to the area as a direct response to Jon’s tragic death.”
Red Sky Foundation’s mission is to make life better for cardiac patients who are born with, or develop heart conditions, by providing lifelong support.