Help needed to fund life-saving device in Littlehampton

Traders Defibrillator Campaign. Traders are launching a campaign to fund the purchase of a defibrillator for Littlehampton, following a heart attack death in the town centre. Pictured are L-R Celia Thomson-Hitchcock (Town Team Leader), Simon Vickers (Chairman of Traders Partnership) and Tyndall Jones (Shop Watch). Littlehampton. Picture: Liz Pearce LP1500759

The tragic death of a man in his 90s in the town centre late last year prompted traders to launch a campaign to buy a new defibrillator.

The devices are used to deliver a shock to restart a patient’s heart when they are in cardiac arrest.

Members of the Littlehampton Traders’ Partnership, Littlehampton Town Team and the town’s shop watch group have banded together in a bid to raise £1,200 to pay for the installation of the life-saving machine.

Co-ordinator of Littlehampton Shop Watch and one of those behind the appeal, Tyndall Jones said the tragic death had acted as a ‘catalyst’ to ensure more defibrillators were available in the centre of town.

He said: “Shop watch is fully supportive of the campaign as every second is vital for someone having a heart attack.

“Although the defibrillator would not have been able to save the man who sadly died, to have one in the town could help save others in the future.

“At the end of the day, who knows who will need it. It could be you or it could be your wife or partner.”

Arun District Council has already provided traders with a machine as part of the campaign.

The cash raised from the appeal would pay for both the installation of the device and an all-weather protective case, as well as a battery for the defibrillator.

Simon Vickers, chairman of the traders’ partnership, said: “Following a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone’s chance of survival by ten per cent. This is obviously quite significant.”

John Edjvet, Littlehampton town centre regeneration officer, has welcomed the effort.

He said: “This fantastic partnership work really demonstrates their commitment to Littlehampton as a town and is an excellent example of people coming together for the benefit of the community and visitors to our seaside resort.

“I certainly support this very worthwhile initiative and I wish them every success in raising the funds they need so the defibrillator can be bought.”

Businesses and residents wishing to donate to the effort should see Simon at Arun Furnishers, in Beach Road, or call John Edjvet, on 01903 737856.