A NEW defibrillator has been installed in a Kidderminster food store, following a community fundraising drive to raise £2,700 for the lifesaving apparatus.

Helping to ensure a speedy and potentially life-saving reaction in the event of an emergency, the defibrillator was unveiled at the Midcounties Co-operative Franche Road store by last year’s Mayor of Kidderminster, Mike Price.

The purchase of the equipment was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the local community. Cake making business Cakealicious donated 120 cupcakes to sell to raise funds, while St Catherine’s Primary School, in Marlpool Lane, ran a number of fundraising initiatives to add £400 to the total.

A community car wash was also held on the Easter bank holiday weekend, which saw colleagues from across the society’s Wyre Forest trading groups get together for a last push to reach the final target.

The only treatment for sudden cardiac arrests, immediate defibrillation can increase a patient’s survival chances by up to 70 per cent if used within the first three minutes, reinforcing the importance of accessible equipment and the provision of training in local communities.

Dave Richards, manager of the store, said: “We are pleased to have supported our local community in their efforts to raise the funds needed to buy such important apparatus.

“The installation of the defibrillator could potentially be the difference between life and death in emergency situations.

“It was great to see both local businesses and the community show such enthusiasm throughout the fundraising drive and we will be welcoming residents to our food store to provide the community with the training to operate the device if required.”