RESIDENTS have clubbed together to fundraise for a life-saving device in a popular water sports area near Marlow.
Marlow Canoe Club are working with the Environment Agency to raise money for a public access defibrillator at Hurley Lock.
The area on the River Thames is a busy spot for boats and pedestrians and runs alongside the Thames Path National Trail.
A defibrillator at Hurley Lock would also benefit water sports events at the nearby Hurley Weir, the training ground for the GB Freestyle Kayak Team.
On a JustGiving page set up to raise money for the life-saving equipment, a spokesperson wrote: "As well as Hurley Lock being one of our regular paddling destinations, it is also popular with other recreational boat traffic passing through.
"Quick use of a defibrillator can significantly raise the survival rate of anyone suffering with cardiac arrest."
The page has a goal of £1,300, which will pay for a Mindray C1A defibrillator provided by the London Hearts Charity.
Since launching the fundraising page on February 7, the cause has so far raised £860 towards its target amount.
According to the interactive defibrillator map at HeartSafe.org, the nearest public defibrillator to Hurley is currently around three miles away in Marlow.
A new government funding plan announced in December 2022 saw the creation of a £1 million fund to increase defibrillators in local communities.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, said at the time: "I've heard extraordinary stories of people being kept alive thanks to the swift use of a defibrillator in their community.
"We must make sure these life-saving devices are more accessible."
The London Hearts Charity, which will provide the defibrillator at Hurley Lock, says son their website that over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur every year but less than one in ten people survive.
The site reads: "With the effective and speedy delivery of treatment, survival can be raised to 70 per cent, but this requires CPR and the use of a defibrillator."
Readers can click here to visit the JustGiving page and support Marlow Canoe Club's life-saving initiative.
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