Defibrillator installed at South Shields park after fundraising campaign by locals

Sergio Petrucci, Harry McLean and local resident, Cheryl Holstrom.
Sergio Petrucci, Harry McLean and local resident, Cheryl Holstrom Credit: Sorted PR

A life-saving device has been installed at a popular South Shields park, followinga fundraising campaign by locals.

Readhead Park Veterans Bowling and Social Club and the Friends of ReadheadPark wanted a defibrillator for use in emergencies because the park sees 1,000 visitors each week.

After some fund-raising activities and financial support from South Tyneside Council plus help from North East heart charity, The Red Sky Foundation, the equipment has now been installed outside the park’s bowling club.

The machine – which can literally make the difference between life and death in thevital moments after someone suffers a cardiac arrest – is in a secure box accessedby a pin number, which is given out once an emergency call is made.

Residents and park users will be given CPR training organised by Red Sky Foundation and the North East Ambulance Service.