TWO new defibrillators have been purchased in memory of Gareth Moore who died earlier this year of an undiagnosed heart condition.

The Knauf Insulation St Helens Plant Community Team has raised more than £2,000 in memory of Gaz, who died suddenly aged 40 in January 2022.

Gareth worked as a Hot End Process Operator at Knauf Insulation’s St Helens Glass Mineral Wool manufacturing plant.

St Helens Star: Gareth MooreGareth Moore (Image: Gareth Moore)

Sean Ashall from the Knauf Insulation St Helens Plant Community Team said: “It was a huge shock when Gaz passed away. He was a popular member of the plant and was such a generous and thoughtful man.

“We knew his wife Helen was keen to increase the number of defibrillators in the local community and she had already raised the funds needed to purchase one for the local gym where Gaz trained.

“So, we decided to support this vital initiative by holding a 6.5km sponsored walk around Tatton Park.

St Helens Star: Knauf Insulation presented Pilkington’s Recs ARLFC Rugby Club with a new defibrillator Knauf Insulation presented Pilkington’s Recs ARLFC Rugby Club with a new defibrillator (Image: Knauf Insulation presented Pilkington’s Recs ARLFC Rugby Club with a new defibrillator)

“It was a fantastic way for us all to come together and share our memories of him and do something good for the community too.

“We were delighted to have raised enough money to buy two defibrillators.”

One defibrillator will be installed at the St Helens Sea Cadets Barracks in Mill Street while the second will be for use on the Pilkington’s Recs ARLFC Rugby Club grounds on Ruskin Drive.

St Helens Star: Knauf Insulation presented St Helens Sea Cadets with a new defibrillator Knauf Insulation presented St Helens Sea Cadets with a new defibrillator (Image: Knauf Insulation presented St Helens Sea Cadets with a new defibrillator)

John Rees, of Pilkington’s Recs ARLFC Rugby Club, said: "A massive thanks to Knauf Insulation for providing this life-saving equipment for our club and to Helen Moore for signposting this to Pilks.

“It gives us the peace of mind to know that if the worst ever happens, we have the equipment in place needed to save lives."