Sainsbury's Leigh makes two local schools Heart Safe

Wednesday, 13 February 2013 10:15

Local high schools Bedford High School and Westleigh High School have received  life-saving defibrillators from the Leigh branch of Sainsbury’s after a wonderful 6 months of fundraising! 

The presentation was attended by representatives from both schools as well as our chairman David Howarth and former Leigh Centurion and Hand on Heart ambassador John Duffy. The store, one of our local charity partners, have held fundraising events organised by staff at the store which have included gift-wrapping and bag-packs, attended by pupils from both schools.

Store manager Julia Blackett told us: “We have now started on a journey with Hand on Heart and we believe working with the community is vital to protecting the hearts of our children.”

Special thanks have also been given to two of the construction companies involved in the rebuild of the new-look Sainsbury’s store, QED Construction and Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd, who each donated £1,000 to the amount raised.

The only effective treatment for a victim of cardiac arrest is CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which must be administered within 3-5 minutes following an arrest. UK average ambulance response times are currently set at 8 minutes which is why it is crucial for schools to have the equipment necessary to save lives.

Headteacher of Westleigh High School Mr J Banks told us; Headteacher Mr J Banks said:

“The students of Westleigh High School were excited to be involved in raising money for the Hand on Heart charity.  Our year 7 students sang carols in the foyer at Sainsburys and collected money from the local community. As a school, we recognise and appreciate how this vital piece of equipment could help to save someone’s life and we are looking forward to working with the Hand on Heart charity to receive training once the defibrillator is installed in school.”

Acting Headteacher Mr J. Kileen told us: “Bedford High School is delighted to be working in partnership with Sainbury's to support 'Hand on Heart'.  The students have raised £1000 towards the cost of the defibrillator through a non-uniform day.

12 young people a week lose their lives to sudden cardiac arrest according to official statistics published by the government.  270 of those will die at school.  Having staff trained in school to use the defibrillator provides an extra safety net for all the school community should the need arise.  We are delighted to be involved with such a worthwhile cause."

To find out more about defibrillators or our Schools program, please visit our Get Involved section.

If you would like to donate to Hand on Heart then please visit our justgiving page or text HAND88 £3 to 70070.