A DEFIBRILLATOR has been permanently placed outside of a popular pub to save the life of anyone who may be in need of it.
Aware of the life-saving necessity of defibs being available in the community, the 'Friends of Clinkham Wood and Moss Gala' group set about obtaining one in December 2022.
After contacting various charities and organisations, the group was eventually gifted a free defibrillator by the University of Manchester, and began fundraising to purchase the accompanying cabinet, pads, and installation.
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Last summer's family-friendly Moss Bank Gala helped to raise vital funds to go towards the defib equipment, and the group remained dedicated to hitting their fundraising target through further donations from those in the community.
After hitting their target late last year, the defibrillator was finally installed outside the Moss Bank pub, on Moss Bank Road, on Wednesday, February 20.
The equipment builds on the growing number of defibs that can be used across the borough, including ones at the York and British Lion pubs in Thatto Heath, the Boars Head and Wheatsheaf pubs in Sutton, as well as at Taylor and Victoria Park and various railway stations.
Many of these defibs have been purchased via community fundraising after local residents have passed away from cardiac arrests.
Helen Pye, one of the organisers of the 'Friends of Clinkham Wood and Moss Gala' group, said: "We would like to thank everyone in the community who has attended the gala, donated prizes, and shared our posts - we could not have done this without you.
"We will need ongoing support, as we will need to continue to raise money to maintain the machine (replacing batteries/pads etc), and we’re hoping to raise money for a second defibrillator for the community if we can.
"We would also like to thank our local councillor Trisha Long who has supported us with the gala, and at our litter picks and pond clearing activities over the years. Trisha secured a donation for us from St Helens Council, which enabled us to reach our goal this year."
After being closed for almost two years, the Moss Bank pub opened after a huge renovation project in December 2021, and business has been "buoyant" despite the challenges of the cost of living crisis.
Ian Leahy, manager of the Moss Bank, said: "Business has been very buoyant at the pub, in a challenging climate.
"We recently gained a five-star food standards rating and the food service is very very popular. We have recently launched midweek specials and sandwich meal and a pint deals which are proving very popular.
"Ste Lawler, the owner, is also organising two festivals this year on May 18 and September 7 which have proven to be extremely popular.
"We are very proud to be a big part of our local community, and we want to say a huge thank you to Helen and The Friends of Clinkham Wood and Moss Bank Gala as the defib couldn’t have happened without all their fundraising and hard work."
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