Lions For Life

When West One surgery voiced the need for a defibrillator that was accessible to the public 24/7, the Lions of Crewkerne sprang into action. Through a mixture of fund raising events such as the Swimathon; the Pirates of the Caribbean Night and the Duck Race; together with donations made in memory of Fred Broom senior, the target of £2,750 was reached.

The lifesaving piece of equipment has been placed on the wall of the West One building. It is the first of its kind in the town. “Even on a very good response, an ambulance will take at least 10 minutes and that could be stretched even to over an hour at other times. Having this close to hand could mean the difference between life and death”, a member of the surgery staff commented.

“It’s great to know that this is available whenever needed by the people of Crewkerne”, Lion Wendy Broom said.

Dr. Osborne told the Lions that the company that produced the equipment has pledged to replace the batteries whenever it is used and if it saves a person’s life, they will donate another machine to be placed where the saved person is from.

Recognising the importance of access to these machines, Lions across the country are putting defibrillators in schools, public phone boxes and other readily available places.

Crewkerne Lions are now busy fund raising for their next life-saving device, a pod used to safely transport babies in the new Air Ambulance being built at Westlands, serving people in this district. This is being done with the Tree of Lights, a 20’ Christmas tree located outside The Antiques Bazaar, Kit Hill, covered in white lights. People are asked to sponsor a light in memory of a person that is no longer with us. “It is giving people a positive way to make gift on behalf of their loved one that will benefit the lives of others”. People who sponsor lights will be sent a card inviting them to a special lighting up ceremony and the person who is being remembered will be placed on the Roll of Honour next to the tree. For further details please contact Anthony Bucke at the Antiques Bazaar or contact Lion Lesley Chudley on 01460 72305

This year proceeds from the Clubs fun day on the 22nd July will be split between two very worthy causes the Somerset & Dorset air ambulance and the Royal National Lifeboat's