Parishioners and community members around St Julie’s in Eccleston, St Helens, joined forces to raise over £2,000 to install a defibrillator on-site.

This lifesaving equipment was made possible through the efforts of the parish, led by Fr Michael Harwood, and the Oliver King Foundation.

The need for a defibrillator was first raised in June by the mums & toddlers’ group, which meets in the parish hall. A fundraising campaign was swiftly initiated, powered by the compassion and hard work of the parishioners and members of the community.

With the support of the Oliver King Foundation, the costs of installing the device and training twelve volunteers on its use came to £2,200.This amount also included the provision of a weatherproof outdoor casing, ensuring easy accessibility for the whole community.

The resounding response from local clubs, hall users, parishioners, and individuals was truly heartwarming. Within an incredibly short span of five weeks, the necessary funds were raised, reflecting the unity and shared commitment of the community towards enhancing emergency response capabilities.

The culmination of this journey took place on Monday, 21 August in the Parish Hall, where a presentation of the defibrillator was conducted. A deeply moving highlight of this event was the presence of Oliver's father, Mark, who serves as a champion for universal defibrillator usage.

Mark's advocacy for defibrillators traces back to a personal tragedy in 2012 -the sudden and heartbreaking loss of his son, Oliver, at the age of 12. Thanks to Mark's unwavering efforts, the impact of The Oliver King Foundation continues to grow, with the recent announcement by the Government that every primary school in England will receive a defibrillator.

The presentation event welcomed not only parishioners but also members of the public who wished to learn about the Foundation's history, objectives, and ongoing mission to make defibrillators widely accessible.

The Oliver King Foundation were impressed with the community spirit in the parish. A spokesperson commented: "It was a pleasure to visit the parish of St Julies in Eccleston to deliver the defibrillator, community access box and training for the twelve volunteers. The parish pulled together and with determination were successful in raising much-needed funds.   

“Knowing that a defibrillator is available in an emergency will benefit this parish and the wider community. They are potentially lifesaving, and we will continue to campaign for defibrillators to be accessible in all public places.

“Not only do we deliver defibrillator training, we also offer all First Aid courses which may benefit all parishes."

The defibrillator at St Julie’s Church serves as a constant reminder of the power of collective action and the enduring impact of compassion. Through this initiative, St Julie's not only strengthens its physical infrastructure but also nurtures the spirit of caring and support that defines a vibrant and resilient community.

To find out more about having a defibrillator installed, or to support the charity, you can contact the Oliver King Foundation on 0151 728 3470 or email info@theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk.

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