Parkrun donation is a life-saver

Running group receives an automated external defibrillator

NEWBURY’S parkrun is now the proud owner of a life-saving device.

The running group, which meets weekly at Greenham Common, received an automated external defibrillator (AED) on Saturday.

The device can recognise the symptoms of cardiac arrest and deliver the vital electric shock to restore a regular heart rhythm.

Defibrillators are designed to be used by people who have had no first-aid training.

The Newbury parkrun AED was funded by donations from runners and local commercial heating and air conditioning company Southern Maintenance Solutions UK LTD.

The manager at Southern Maintenance Solutions, Terry Tarbox, said: “We, as a local company, think it’s important to support this fantastic free event. I personally feel it’s essential to have an AED at these type of events.

“My wife, children, parents and friends run Newbury parkrun and you never know when or who will need this first response device.”

Parkrun event director David Smith said that having a defibrillator on hand was important, as a cardiac arrest can affect anyone.

Highlighting the importance of the device, Mr Smith said: “When not being used at parkrun, we have decided to make the AED available to local activities and sporting events free, for the benefit of the whole West Berkshire community.”

Newbury parkrun is a weekly, timed, 5km run for anyone who wants to join in. Runners meet at 9am at Greenham Common every Saturday and regularly attract more than 400 people.

For more information visit: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/newbury