BOATERS in Sileby marina on the South Navigation in Charnwood, Leicestershire have successfully funded and launched a public accessible defibrillator (PAD) for the local boating community as well as for dog walkers, fishermen and those taking a leisurely walk along the canal footpaths.

The idea for the AED fundraising campaign was instigated by John Martin (who lives on the boat NB Nuthatch) who was a volunteer at Sileby Town Football Club when they acquired their own defibrillator.

" I do remember attending one of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust's (JHMT) community CPR and AED familarisation courses at the Sileby Town football Club and then thought it would also be a good idea to have PAD at the marina, especially as the nearest defibrillator is about a quarter of a mile away at the local cricket club. Another reason was that throughout the Covid pandemic I noticed the number of people who had taken to walking along the canal footpath had more than doubled,"said John

John, together with another boater, Mick Gray, who lives on 'The Last Crusade', set out on a cold December morning to raise funds from regular passers-by. The area is a favourite spot for both professional and ordinary dog walkers who helped boost the money raised on the day.

As the word spread about the AED campaign across the Sileby community, other groups rallied to the cause including the boating community, dog walkers, Wreake Valley Angling Fishing Club, Sileby Marina, Sileby Mill Boatyard, Low & Co Candles and Wax Melts, Stowfledge Engineering Ltd, and David and Helen Vickers from REYou Wellbeing - Holistic and Beauty Salon in Sileby Village.

The external cabinet which will keep the defibrillator safe was donated by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT). The PAD is located on the front of Stowfledge's manufacturing unit at the marina to ensure it's accessible to the local community 24/7. The defibrillator has also been registered with EMAS. Once registered, all AEDs are included on the Circuit. The Circuit is the national defibrillator network which connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives.

John said " A HUGE thanks to everyone for helping to create a heartsafe environment within three weeks. This includes valuable support throughout from the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust including the donation of the AED cabinet and guiding us through the process. We are truly indebted to everyone who made a donation to the AED cause, to Jason Jeyes from Stowfledge Engineering Ltd for allowing us to site the PAD on his external wall and Howard Williams who kindly fitted and wired up the AED cabinet."

During March 2022, members of the boating community will join up with Sileby Town Football Club and undergo key CPR and AED familiarisation training led by JHMT.

Charles Poole from JHMT, said: "This is a brilliant addition to the increasing network of Public Access Defibrillators in and around the villages along the Soar Valley. A cardiac arrest can happen any time and anywhere. Immediate effective CPR and rapid use of a defibrillator within the first few minutes are the essential difference between life and death. Everyone from the marina community, boats passing through the lock, those working nearby and the many people who enjoy the area's fresh air and countryside, whether walking, running or cycling, can thank John and his team for their potentially lifesaving foresight in providing this potentially lifesaving equipment."

As well as providing free CPR and defibrillator training, the JHMT works hard to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths, helps to provide community defibrillators and runs Inspire, a local grants scheme for inspirational young people.

The Leicestershire charity was set up after the tragic death of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries in 2012, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a run.

To find out more about the work of the Trust, apply for training and support, or to help out with the charity's work, visit the website at www.jhmt.org.uk

You can also follow the Trust on Facebook at facebook.com/JHMTorguk and Twitter @JHMTorguk .

Photo call: L to R –Howard Williams, Paul Weston, Michael Gray, John Martin (Sileby Marina Boating Community), Charles Poole (JHMT) & Jason Jayes (Stowfledge Engineering Ltd)