Scouts raise money for Syke defibrillator

L-R: Maggie Mather (chair of Rochdale Heartbeat), Pam Wiseman (treasurer), Hayden Chorlton (scout and fundraiser) Simone Yeoman (centre manager) Eileen Sanderson (Heartbeat commitee member)

Two scouts from the 40th Rochdale group have assisted their community in obtaining a life-saving defibrillator with the help of voluntary group Rochdale Heartbeat.

Between them Hayden Chorlton and Dylan raised £200, which they donated to Rochdale Heartbeat, as the charity had been unable to organise fundraising events during lockdown.

Hayden designed a football card competition with an Olympics theme, whilst Dylan sold watercolour paintings to family and friends.

The defibrillator will be kept at Syke Methodist Church, where the scouts hold their meetings. Defibrillators give a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest and is an essential part in trying to save their life.

To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible. For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce by up to 10%.

The church is a real community hub, attended by various groups such as Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, plus youth groups, luncheon clubs, arts groups, the church congregation and other community groups.
 

Read more: Syke Connexion raising money for new facilities to benefit local communityPublished: 02 December 2020

Simone Yeoman, the community church manager, has also given Rochdale Heartbeat permission to leave an ink cartridge recycling box to help raise funds so that they can carry on with their good work.

Since inception, Rochdale Heartbeat has raised over £350,000 and have donated various items of medical equipment to both Royal Oldham and Fairfield hospitals, as well as donating over 40 defibrillators to sports venues, gyms, community halls and churches throughout the borough of Rochdale and surrounding area.

Rochdale Heartbeat provides a supported programme for heart patients after their discharge from NHS care (12 weeks post op) including a weekly gentle exercise programme, availability of professionals to discuss any worries, and the opportunity to meet other patients who have undergone similar heart procedures.