A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to raise enough funds for more defibrillators to be installed in Weston.

The campaign is being spearheaded by the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, which saves lives day in, day out.

Another influential figure in the campaign is Josh Bell, a student paramedic from the University of Portsmouth.

Josh was inspired to get involved when he visited Sweeney Todd Barber Shop, owned by Dean.

Dean explained to Josh how one of his customers went into cardiac arrest and sadly died in a pub in the coastal town, which could have been avoided if there was a Public Access Defibrillator available.

This isn't Josh's first experience fundraising. He previously raised money for the charity when he was only a school child, illustrating his dedication to the cause. He was visited at Ashcombe Primary School in October 2010 by members of the charity who wanted to thank him.

In 2020, he was awarded with the NHS Parliamentary Award for the South West region and was represented by Cllr John Penrose in London. He was nominated from individuals who worked with him at Weston General Hospital for his efforts towards Sepsis and the NHS in general.

He has previously worked as a Sepsis ambassador at Weston General Hospital and is a current volunteer with the UK's Sepsis Trust.

The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity's donation page, given to the Weston Mercury, reads: "There are not enough defibrillators in the local community of Weston-super-Mare and it is vital that a defibrillator is accessible to anyone at any one time.

"So we're raising money to fund public access to defibrillators, to get as many installed as we can and hopefully ensure that every pub has one or has one very near by.

"CPR and defibrillation before an ambulance arrives can increase the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest from one to 10 to one in seven."

The charity will be hosting several events to generate funds and make residents aware of the campaign.

On November 11, there will be a Race Night at The Regency Pub, the proceeds of which will be donated to the cause.

Cllr John Penrose will be attending to open the night from 7.30pm.