A new public defibrillator has been installed at Northumberland Park, helping to improve public safety and provide emergency support for park users and the wider community.
Available for the community to use 24/7, the new piece of life-saving equipment could save lives in the event of cardiac arrest.
The defibrillator has been installed on the side of the visitor centre and café in the centre of Northumberland Park, which is a popular spot for locals and visitors year-round.
The equipment can be used by anyone, without the need for specialist training, as it provides guidance through voice commands and the display panel.
The defibrillator has been made possible thanks to generous support from a range of community and charitable contributors, with fundraising coordinated by the New Friends of Northumberland Park.
Support for the project included contributions from the Sir James Knott Trust, the New Friends of Northumberland Park, one of its members Mike Coates, financial advisers Foster Denovo based in North Shields, and Lewis Ayre – a relative of a member of the Friends group, who undertook a charity run to help raise funds as well as North Tyneside Council.
A small plaque has been put up next to the device to recognise the generous contributors.
Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member responsible for the Neighbourhoods said: “Although we hope this device never has to be used, we’re delighted to see this defibrillator installed at Northumberland Park. Quick access to a defibrillator can be lifesaving, and having one available 24/7 in a busy park like this is incredibly important. We thank all those who supported this initiative and have helped make the area safer for the community.”
Jo Curry, manager of the Sir James Knott Trust said: “Sir James Knott Trust were delighted to contribute to the defibrillator at Northumberland Park. My father died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 57. We miss him every day, and so the opportunity to help to stop any other family going through this was not to be missed. Thanks to Mike Coates and the Friends of the park for getting behind this”
Mike Coates, who helped found the New Friends of Northumberland Park group in 2009 and has served as chair, said: “I have been involved with the park all my life, leading history walks, giving talks and publishing books about it. It was a privilege to give something back and contribute towards this important addition alongside the Knott Trust’s support.”
Members of the wider Friends group added: “We are delighted that there is now a community defibrillator in the heart of our park available for use 24 hours a day.”
The defibrillator has been registered with the UK ambulance service on The Circuit, connecting the device directly with 999 dispatchers.
The Friends of Northumberland Park group are now looking for volunteers who can spare a couple of hours each week to help keep the park tidy, carry out basic gardening tasks and support the upkeep of the medieval herb garden.