Thousands raised to install new community defibrillator at Cox Green shop

Community members, customers and colleagues at a shop in Cox Green have raised thousands to install a new life-saving community defibrillator.

Maidenhead MP and former Prime Minister Theresa May was on hand to unveil the new machine at the Your Co-op Food store in Cox Green on Thursday, March 28.

As part of the fundraising drive the community, along with customers and staff members at the store raised more than £1,330 though a host of events and initiatives, spearheaded by store manager Russell Chapman.

A further £2,000 was raised by members of the Cox Green Village Fayre Committee to help towards the installation of the machine through the Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT)

Since 2013, Your Co-op has been working in partnership with CHT, a provider of community defibrillator solutions.

The partnership has seen 45 defibrillator units installed across its Your Co-op Food stores, with 11 installed last year.

As part of each new installation Your Co-op provides training workshops for the community and runs regular free

online sessions hosted by CHT with the aim of creating wider awareness of how to use them.

The defibrillators were used 30 times throughout 2023.

Mrs May said: “I am delighted to have unveiled this defibrillator and thank both the Cox Green Community and Your Co-op for making this possible.

“Defibrillators can be the difference between life and death, and this will be an important asset for the local community.”

Colin Tattersall, chair for Cox Green Village Fayre Committee, said: “It has been brilliant to see residents coming together with valuable support from Russell and the Your Co-op Food team to raise money for a

community-led project that will make a real difference for the local area.

“The defibrillator will be a vital, lifesaving asset for those living in, working and visiting our community.”

Russell Chapman, store manager at Your Co-op Food in Cox Green, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to our community fundraisers and our amazing colleagues who have worked hard to raise the funds and make the installation of this lifesaving defibrillator possible.

“We now also have trained members of staff on hand who will maintain the defibrillator and make sure it is ready to serve the community.”