Waxx Barbershop & Record Store in Shildon have had a publicly accessible defibrillator installed on the outside of their shop, meaning it will be available to the local community in an emergency.
“This is something that means a lot to me personally,” said store owner Dan Bradshaw. “A defibrillator saved the life of one of my close friends, Ben Simpson, after he suffered a cardiac arrest, so I’ve seen first-hand just how important they are and how having one nearby can make such a huge difference when someone falls ill.
”The person pictured with me, and who installed the defibrillator, is actually Ben who suffered the cardiac arrest, so it’s great for him to get involved with it.
“It makes it particularly meaningful for both of us to now be installing one for the people of Shildon.
“There aren’t many publicly accessible defibrillators around Shildon, so when the opportunity came up to have one installed at Waxx, I was more than happy to provide a location for it.
“The defibrillator has been donated by local charity MISSEDABEAT with the help of funding they have received, and we’re extremely grateful for their support.
“We’re also going to have a MISSEDABEAT charity collection box inside the shop for anyone who would like to donate. Hopefully we can raise some money and awareness for the charity and help them secure further funding so they can continue installing lifesaving defibrillators throughout Shildon and other local communities.
“Waxx has been part of Shildon for nearly six years and we’ve always wanted the shop to be a positive part of the community. If having this defibrillator outside the shop helps save even one person’s life, it will have been worthwhile.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
