Inspired by the experiences of one of their regulars, the Burnaby Arms in Black Tom is organising a range of events throughout the summer to fundraise for a community defibrillator.
The campaign was inspired by pub regular Jake Fordham, who suffered a cardiac arrest at the age of just 21.
Jake said: “I was in bed feeling unwell with what I thought was flu when my heart suddenly stopped. Fortunately, my mum found me and called 999.
“My dad told me that while the paramedics were performing CPR, he held my hand and could feel me going cold as the blood stopped moving around my body.”
Paramedics carried out CPR on Jake for eight minutes and used a defibrillator on him until his heart began beating after their third ‘shock’.
“I was incredibly lucky,” said Jake.
“Most people won’t be. If there’s a defibrillator nearby and it’s registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, the 999-call handler can direct someone to it immediately and talk them through using it while the ambulance is on its way.
“That can make the difference between life and death.”
Jumble Trail, darts marathon, music festival and more…
To help reach their fundraising target of £1,600, the whole community is involved in a range of events throughout August.
Next Saturday (15 August) sees a music festival at the Burnaby Arms’ sister pub, The Foresters Arms on Union Street.
From 3pm – 9pm, live acts and DJs will be entertaining the crowd, with headliners Carbon Daydreams taking to the stage at 8pm.
Until Sunday, 6 September, art lovers can browse the charity art sale in the Burnaby on Stanley Street, with all proceeds going to the campaign, and on Saturday, 29 August, the ever-popular Black Tom Jumble Trail returns, with all stall fees being donated to the defibrillator fund.
Future events include a 12-hour darts marathon and raffle.
One of the organisers, Nick Young of the Burnaby Arms, said: “The response from the community has been fantastic.
“Not only are we raising money for something that could one day save a life, but the events are bringing neighbours together and creating a real community spirit.
“We hope everyone will come along, enjoy the activities and help us reach our fundraising target.”
You can also support the appeal by purchasing bespoke defibrillator mugs, available from the Burnaby Arms for £7 each, or by visiting the GoFundMe page here.
“Every pound raised will help bring a vital piece of life-saving equipment to the heart of the Black Tom community,” said Nick.
