A HIGH-flying pair have helped install a life-saving defibrillator after they took to the skies for a fundraising tandem skydive.

Wordsley councillor Kerry Lewis and Natalie Davies dropped from 15,000ft to raise money to place a piece of vital equipment in the High Acres community.

The pair’s efforts helped collect more than £1,440 for the defibrillator which has been fitted to the external wall of the High Acres pub – offering 24 hour access to the local community.

They were helped by FastAid Black Country, a charity of 999 Community First Responders, and West Midlands Ambulance Service, who donated an accessible cabinet and also trained members of the public to use it.

Kerry said: “We thank everyone who has donated, jumping 15000ft from a plane was an amazing experience and all for a fantastic cause.

“We’re really pleased we’ve managed to bring such an important life-saving device to our community with the help of FastAid and the ambulance service.

“I feel this is a vital piece of equipment for our local community as you will never know when someone will require it. I have been overwhelmed with the support from the local community.”

The duo also raised money with the help of the local community. Dingle Primary School held a quiz night and the High Acres Community Association hosted a live music event and barbecue.

Kerry added: “We also received a much appreciated donation from Mid Counties Co-operative and must thank Darren Sproson of Euro Electrics for installing the defibrillator cabinet.”

Andy Jeynes, head of community response at West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “It’s great that Cllr Lewis and Natalie Davies wanted to bring a life-saving piece of equipment to their local community and ourselves, with FastAid Black Country, were happy to help.

“Defibrillators save lives and having access to one quickly, when needed, can make a huge difference. The more defibrillators we can get in the community the more lives can potentially be saved.”

Free defibrillator training is available for members of the community on Tuesday, February 20, at 7pm in the function room of the High Acres pub.

The training – led by local community first responders Paul Grove and Ade Timmins – is expected to last an hour.