Life-saving Defibrillator installed in Banbury following fundraising campaign

A new defibrillator has been installed in the centre of Banbury following a successful fundraising effort from Spratt Endicott Solicitors, which saw £4,000 raised on behalf of the Banbury Lions’ Defibrillator Appeal.

The Oxfordshire law firm named the Appeal its charity of the year for the 2015 financial year and subsequently raised £4,000 – double its initial target.

A new defibrillator costs £2,000, meaning the money raised can facilitate a second installation, which is due to occur in the coming months. Banbury Lions has liaised with both the Community Heartbeat Trust, a charity that has supplied over 3,000 defibrillators across the UK; and the local council to coordinate the installation of the lifesaving device, which was put in place on Tuesday 18th of July 2017.

The Community Public Access Defibrillator (cPAD) has been instated right in the heart of Banbury town centre, near to the Fine Lady Statue where footfall is particularly high for both visitors and locals. The cPAD is accessible to any member of the public and includes instructions and a video of how to use it. The defibrillator is directly linked to the emergency services who are immediately notified upon its use, helping to ensure a rapid response that could save lives.

Ian Wilson of the Banbury Lions said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to install a defibrillator in such a central location in the town. They really do save lives, so it’s a wonderful thing for the town to have. The Lions would like to thank the staff of Spratt Endicott. They have been fantastic and so supportive of the appeal, and have gone above and beyond what we dared hope. Having enough funds for a second defibrillator will bring the total in the town up to three, which is a wonderful achievement and a real endorsement of Banbury’s community spirit.”

Spratt Endicott has been raising funds for a ‘Charity of the Year’ since 2002. Staff vote for their chosen local charity, which is then the recipient of the firm’s fundraising efforts over the forthcoming financial year. Whilst the firm supports a number of charities and local organisations, the ‘Charity of the Year’ is an opportunity for all staff members to get involved and enjoy working together on various activities.

John Spratt, ​Chairman of Spratt Endicott Solicitors said: “We’re enormously proud of the effort and endeavour of our staff in their fundraising activities. The Defibrillator Appeal is an extremely worthwhile undertaking and we’re so pleased to be able to contribute towards it so significantly.”

For further information on the Banbury Lions please visit the website at: www.banburylions.co.uk

For more information about Spratt Endicott please contact Jane Ward on 01295 204000 or email enquiries@se-solicitors.co.uk.