Ellacombe Church of England Academy, which is a part of the Learning Academy Partnership (LAP), has installed a lifesaving defibrillator device, which is accessible to the whole community.
This ambitious project was inspired by the achievements of the principal at Newton Abbot College, who walked from London to Exeter to raise money in support of the charity Jay’s Aim. Jay’s Aim helps communities purchase and install defibrillators across South Devon.
The team at Ellacombe were further motivated following the news of Christian Eriksen, the Danish football player who suffered a cardiac arrest at Euros 2020. This drew global attention to the importance of having defibrillator devices widely available.
The dedicated team, led by Mrs Davey, sprang into action and began organising a series of fundraising events to enable the purchase of the publicly accessible defibrillator.
The whole community came together to support the fundraising efforts. Parents kindly donated school jumpers which were then sold on, and children and staff enjoyed three days of dressing up with summer themes.
The academy is at the heart of the community and received donations from those across the local area who wanted to help them reach their target. The staff and pupils were thrilled to have raised an amazing £629 in just a few weeks.
With some additional, and very kind help from Jay’s Aim, Ellacombe has now installed the defibrillator, which will help them offer their support to the whole community.
The academy is also running a series of free training events, with much valued support and expertise from Jay’s Aim, on how to safely use it. This will include pupils in Year 6 having the opportunity to find out about the importance of first aid and how to get help to use defibrillators. Staff will also be receiving training as part of the package of support.
Alongside this, the training is also being offered out to parents and members of the local community. All those interested in taking up the training are encouraged to get in contact with the academy.
Evie Semmens, Head of Ellacombe C of E Academy, said: “We have been humbled by the response of the whole community in working together to have such a vital piece of equipment which should provide peace of mind that should someone need emergency care, there is now a defibrillator close by.”
Ellacombe C of E Academy, are continuing to fundraise for Jay’s Aim and have a dedicated Just Giving page for anyone wishing to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ellacombe-c-of-e-academy
