Masons fund our defibrillator

Thank you for the fantastic donation

Given that around 200 people visit the William and Patricia Venton Centre in Northampton every week, Age UK Northamptonshire has felt the need for an automated external defibrillator to be located in the building for a long time. But the funds to pay for this vital piece of equipment were just not available.

Following an appeal to local Masons, the Provincial Grand Charity of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire generously made a grant of £1,300 to enable us to buy an automated defibrillator.  We cannot thank them enough. The small device, which comes with full instructions and is mounted on an internal wall, could make all the difference if someone goes into cardiac arrest at the day centre.  It is envisaged that older day centre clients are most likely to benefit from the availability of the defibrillator, but anyone of any age can suffer a cardiac arrest, so the essential piece of equipment could one day save a life.On Monday 25th April 2022, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, WBro Gerry Crawford, and the Secretary of the Provincial Grand Charity, WBro John Rivett, handed over the defibrillator to the Chair of Age UK Northamptonshire’s Board of Trustees, Paul Bertin, and Sales and Marketing Manager, Roger Harris. Roger was the driving force behind the charity acquiring the defibrillator, having had personal experience of being with a work colleague who suffered a heart attack and would have benefited from a defibrillator being available.

Gerry Crawford said “We are very happy fund the purchase of the defibrillator for Age UK Northamptonshire because the Provincial Grand Charity is all about supporting the local community. We raise funds precisely so that we can support this kind of community project and we have been very impressed by the work that Age UK Northamptonshire does in the county.”

Paul Bertin and our Chief Executive Chris Duff asked Gerry and John to pass on our very sincere thanks to the Provincial Grand Charity and was delighted to welcome them to the William and Patrica Venton Centre to hand over the defibrillator and to see it installed. Paul said “Donations such as these are key to the charity being able to support older people. Any donation of any amount will make a positive difference and is always welcome. You can make a donation via our website or find details of other ways to donate here.”