Life-Saving Efforts Recognised at Inspirational Donate For Defib First Ever Conference
By Jill Dando News
Donate For Defib W-s-M Project hosted its inaugural Defib Conference, a significant event aimed at showcasing the organisations vital work and its future objectives.
Held at Locking Castle Church, in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK the conference brought together experts, sponsors, and local leaders to discuss cardiac care, defibrillator awareness, and the importance of community partnerships.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of guest speakers, including Professor Graham Stuart, Project Clinical Lead Ambassador, and Dr. Steven Harmer from the University of Bristol, who offered insights into cardiac health and the role of defibrillators in saving lives.
Dan Moulden from the Avon and Somerset Bleed Kit Partnership presented on the importance of bleed kits, while Steve Norton from Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAAC) highlighted the significance of ensuring all defibrillators are registered with The Circuit, a national network of life-saving devices.
In addition to these expert talks, several local organizations and businesses played a key role in supporting the event.
Speakers included Steve Fussell from the British Cars and Forecourts Group, Anne Stevens from AMS Electrical, the project’s electrical partners, and representatives from Weston-super-Mare Rotary and West Street Nutrition, whose ongoing sponsorship continues to contribute to the project's success.
The event also served as a platform to honor the hard work and dedication of the Donate For Defib W-s-M team.
The team was delighted to receive two prestigious awards: one from the High Sherriff of Somerset and another from Weston-super-Mare’s local MP, Dan Aldridge, in recognition of the project's contributions to the community.
Josh Bell, Project Lead, was personally honored with an individual award from the High Sherriff for his exceptional service to the local community.
Reflecting on the achievement, Bell expressed his gratitude for the support received from both past and present volunteers. "This award and the ongoing success of the project would not have been possible without the incredible time and effort that our volunteers have dedicated," he said.
The Donate For Defib W-s-M team also expressed their heartfelt thanks to the local community for its unwavering support and to their sponsors and partners who continue to contribute to the project's mission.
The team also extended their appreciation to the Locking Castle Church for hosting the event and expressed excitement about the possibility of collaborating further to place a defibrillator in the church.
As the Donate For Defib W-s-M Project moves into its next phase, it remains committed to its vision of ensuring defibrillators are accessible and well-maintained in local communities, saving lives when every second counts.
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