Craig's Heartstrong Foundation (CHF) are delighted to have reached their fundraising target of ?60,000 to equip all of the islands primary schools with lifesaving defibrillators.
CHF, set up in memory of Craig Lunt, have donated 90 machines to sports clubs and schools around the island.
In January this year, CHF started their fundraising campaign to raise ?60,000 specifically to buy 35 lifesaving defibrillators to donate to every primary school on the Island, including those on split sites. Currently only two primaries have them.
Paula Lunt, Craig's mother and charity secretary, said: ‘We have been screening hearts of men and women between the ages of 14 and 35 for many years now and this is our way of helping those children who are under this age group and to give parents piece of mind that if something was to happen then the schools would have the best equipment available to increase chances of survival.’
Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, who took part in the Parish Walk in June in aid of the appeal, said: ‘I am delighted that Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation has been able to raise enough money to equip our primary schools with defibrillators. Although we hope they are never used, it is reassuring to know that should a child or adult need the assistance it will be there immediately as every second counts. I would like to thank everyone for their support in raising funds in the many and imaginative ways.’
CHF chairman Paul Healey said: ‘On behalf of everyone at the charity we would like to thank the amazing Manx public who have made this all possible. The target of ?60,000 seemed a big one at the time but we knew with the support we have received in the past we would get there.’
CHF are also donating ?10,000 to St John Ambulance to help with the on-going training of the teachers which will start in January 2014.
Presentation of the first machine took place at Dhoon Primary School on Monday. Dhoon School themselves raised nearly ?1,400 to put towards the CHF campaign.
Along with the Minister, Paula Lunt and Paul Healey were members of St John Ambulance and Terry Milligan from gas services, one of the supporters of the campaign throughout 2013 who donated money for the St Mary’s school defibrillator.
CHF will be holding two more heart screening weekends during 2014 along with their annual dinner. Look out for more info at www.craigsheartstrongfoundation.co.uk Facebook - official Craig's Heartstrong Foundation, twitter @CHFIOM.
