SPECSAVERS in Weston-super-Mare High Street are working with the Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Project to fundraise for a defibrillator to be made publicly accessible outside the store.

Professor Graham Stuart, a former Consultant Cardiologist at Bristol Royal Hospital For Children and also the Project's Clinical Lead Ambassador said: “I am delighted to support the excellent work of Donate for Defib WsM Project.

“There is absolutely no doubt early cardioversion can be lifesaving in patients experiencing a cardiac arrest.

“Moreover, the earlier it takes place the better the outcome. The best way to achieve this is to increase the availability of publicly accessible defibrillators in their community.

“This is an incredibly important project.”

Josh, project lead for the charity, said the project's mission statement states: “Our mission is to raise awareness of and install publicly accessible defibrillators within our local community of Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding areas.

“To work with the local community to support fundraising or sponsored events to enable more defibrillators to be located.

“Aim to provide and install as many publicly accessible defibrillators as possible within the recommended three-minute walk return from a cardiac arrest.

“To also raise public awareness of the Chain of Survival, organising CPR and use of defibrillator training sessions, ensuring that in the event of a person suffering a cardiac arrest, there will be a swift community response and by working together lives can be saved.”

Specsavers manager Lucy Orchard said: "This is a great imitative and we are excited to continue fundraising.”

Specsavers is supporting this process along with the local community and if you would like to support this, they only have £850.00 left to go, as £392.00 was donated by Tom Farrand who ran the London Marathon.

A fundraising event is currently in the process of being organised and this will also involve individuals learning how to use a defibrillator and also perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).