The first downtown defibrillator installed 24/7 in Times Square
A DEFIBRILLATOR is now available 24 hours a day in Warrington town center for the first time.
The potentially life-saving equipment has been installed in Times Square, on an outside wall near Warrington Market.
It comes after teenager Aidan Jackson, from Widnes, approached Warrington Borough Council Development Management Officers Knight Frank Promise to set up the device.
The 19-year-old has raised over £40,000 to buy a total of 23 defibrillators, most of which are stationed around Halton.
Each machine costs around £1,600, with the Danny Jones Defibrillator Find – set up in memory of former Wales rugby league international Danny Jones, who died aged 29 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match – donating £250 to each.
Knight Frank Promise also invested £400 in the total.
Associate Director Elizabeth Fee said: “We were delighted to help Aidan in his quest.
“These machines save lives, and having one accessible 24 hours a day in this important area is really important.
“It is placed on the wall outside the management offices just off the busy market hall, and we are grateful to our mechanical and electrical suppliers BGIS for installing it free of charge.”
Aidan’s fundraising continues despite suffering from his own health issues – including Asperger’s syndrome, epilepsy and ADHD – and having had two seizures over the Christmas period .
He said: “I started out wanting to buy one, then one became two, then two became four.
“I am now fundraising for the 24 and intend to take a back seat for a while and let others take over when I see the 25 purchased and installed.”
The Time Square defibrillator is now on a national registry, and when a 999 call comes in for someone suspected of having cardiac arrest, the North West Ambulance Service can check in seconds to see if there is one nearby.
Cllr Tom Jennings, WBC Board Member for Economic Development and Innovation, said: “Aidan and his family are an inspiration.
“I thank them and everyone who made this possible.
“Shredders save lives, so it’s important that people know that Warrington town center now has one accessible 24 hours a day.”