An innovative scheme launched by Waitrose in Alderley Edge could pave the way for hundreds of free defibrillators donated throughout the UK if rolled out nationally.
Frank Young, store manager at Waitrose in Alderley Edge, presented the first Waitrose community defibrillator to Rachel Grantham of Alderley Edge Parish Council alongside owners of local businesses who sponsored the device.
Funds were raised to donate the defibrillator after local businesses were invited to sponsor advertising panels installed above pay and display machines in the store’s car park.
Store manager Frank commented: “Waitrose were absolutely committed to this scheme that helps protect lives in our local community.
“We were approached by LifePad Solutions who are an organization committed to generating funding to see more defibrillators in place and between us we came up with the idea of allowing sponsorship in the car park.”
Frank added: “The feedback from local businesses wanting to support the scheme was fantastic and we are delighted to donate the defibrillator to the parish council.
“If the defibrillator saves one persons life in the future then the whole scheme will have been worthwhile.”
Kevin Dryburgh of LifePad Solutions said: “We cannot thank Waitrose enough for supporting this scheme.
“They have been so supportive of us since the idea was initially put to them and hopefully this is something that could eventually be rolled out into all stores going forward.”
Kevin added: “Some 60,000 people die every year in the UK from cardiac arrest and many of those lives could have been saved if a defibrillator was close by.”
Rachel Grantham of Alderley Edge Parish Council commented: “The council have been desperate to obtain a defibrillator for some time but they are very expensive and we simply did not have the funds in place.”
She said: “I think this initiative is amazing and would like to thank Waitrose so much for their help in allowing sponsorship on their site.”
Alderley Edge Parish Council is currently deciding on a location for the device.
