Boy’s act of determination sees defibrillator installed by Co-op

JJ, a Scout from Marston, teamed up with the Midcounties Co-operative to raise funds for the life-saving device, which is now installed at the Your Co-op Food store on Old Marston Road.

His fundraising campaign brought in more than £3,200, with support from friends, schoolmates, his Scout group, and the wider community.

His inspiration came from a first aid course, where he learned about the critical role defibrillators play in saving lives.

JJ said: “It is so important to have multiple defibrillators in the community. Every minute counts if someone’s heart stops.

“Thank you to The Midcounties Co-operative for helping get Marston another defibrillator.

“I wonder where the next one should go!”

The Midcounties Co-operative contributed £1,000 to the campaign through its Doing Good Together Fund.

JJ’s mother, Sarah Hannington, a Midcounties member, put forward the application for funding.

One of JJ’s fundraising events, Pedal for a Pulse, was held in the store window on World Heart Day and raised more than £350.

JJ and his friends took turns cycling on a static bike for four hours, with support from store colleagues and the community.

Last week, JJ, Marston councillor Mary Clarkson, and Midcounties staff gathered at the store to unveil the new defibrillator, which is installed to the right of the entrance.

The installation is part of the Midcounties Co-operative’s ongoing partnership with the Community Heartbeat Trust, which has helped place more than 50 defibrillators across the country.

Andy Joiner, store manager at Your Co-op Food Marston, said: “Our team has loved working with JJ and the wider community to raise money for our new defibrillator.

“This cause gets right to the heart of our Doing Good Together Fund which allows us to support the work of initiatives and organisations that really matter to our colleagues and members.

“It was great to attend the grand unveiling with Mary Clarkson and JJ himself earlier this week – a real moment to be proud of.”

Councillor Clarkson praised the young fundraiser and the collective effort behind the project.

Mary Clarkson, councillor for Marston, said: “It was a pleasure to visit the Marston Your Co-op Food store this week to unveil the new defibrillator and also celebrate the impressive efforts of JJ and this wonderful community who have come together for such an important cause.”