A new defibrillator has been installed in Wilton, and free sessions are being offered to show how they are used.
Rachel Houston, 53, works for the charity Alabaré, but over the last few months she has been working to install a defibrillator in the Bulbridge estate area of Wilton. The defibrillator, fully funded by Wilton Rotary Club, is located at the Downside sheltered scheme on Burcombe Lane.
She said: "Early last year, I had cause to locate a defibrillator, we are lucky in Wilton as we have a number of them, but the nearest one was still a 15 minute walk away. Not long after this, I spotted an article in the Journal where a local resident had raised money to install one in his street, so I got in touch.
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"I am delighted to announce that a new defibrillator has been installed thanks to a kind donation from Wilton Rotary Club and support from Wiltshire Council Housing who agreed to house the defibrillator at their Downside sheltered scheme on Burcombe Lane. The council not only paid for the installation but have agreed to pay for the ongoing cost and servicing."
An opening ceremony at Burcombe Lane was attended by members of the community, a representative from Wiltshire Council and the president of the rotary club.
Wiltshire Council cabinet member for housing cllr Phil Alford said: "We are very happy to support Rachel and the local community by helping fund the installation and the ongoing servicing of this defibrillator at our Downside sheltered scheme.
"This is life-saving equipment and it's vital that it's in an accessible location should there be a local medical emergency. We hope it's never required, but it provides reassurance that it's there if needed.
"I'd also encourage people to attend the free training in September if they can and my thanks go to everyone involved in this community-spirited project."
President of Wilton Rotary Andrew Rhind-Tutt added: "It was an absolute pleasure to completely fund the defibrillator."
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"We've raised hundreds over the years but putting in the defibrillator is one of the best things we can do so we are absolutely proud and privileged to do this today."
Free defibrillator training sessions will be run at Wilton Primary School by Winterbury Training on Wednesday, September 11, at 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
Spaces are limited, and you can book your place by calling 01722 744554 or emailing wiltondefib@gmail.com.
Rachel added: "In an emergency, every second counts."
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