Appeal to fund life-saving gear for children

A crucial campaign to fund equipment that could save lives has been launched by a children’s charity in the city. Little Miracles, the charity which supports families with disabled children, additional needs and life limiting conditions, is trying to raise £3,000 to buy a defibrillator for their headquarters at The Spinney Centre in Hartwell Way, Ravensthorpe.

Michelle King, who set up the charity, said: “In the past year we have had six or seven children fall unconscious while they have been with us. The last boy we had to resuscitate ourselves, whiletheambulance and air ambulance came. Thankfully the boy had come round by the time the ambulance arrived. But it could easily have ended very differently.

“It takes seven or eight minutes for an ambulance to get to us, and that could be crucial. The nearest defibrillators are either at the Bretton Centre or the hospital, which is too far to run.

“This equipment really could save someone’s life.”

While training will be given, Michellesaidthekitwould be available to be used by everyone in the community.

She said: “The equipment is very simple to use, and can talk people through how to useit, whatsettingstouseand things like that. It makes everything really easy to use.

“There are a number of community groups who use thecentreandpeoplewholive near-by, and they would have access to the machine. It is incredibly important.”

A crowdfunding page has been set up to try and raise the money - although if they don’t reach their £3,000 goal by September 7, they won’t get any money to help buy the machine. People donating are able to pick up small rewards for helping the campaign.

To help, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/defibrillatorfor-little-miracles

Michelle King