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Park Grove School raise funds for First Responder Equipment for York Minster
Published: on 4th July 2008 by Alix Peacock in Minster News
Children from Park Grove Community School took part in a fancy dress sponsored walk today, Friday 4th July 2008 to raise funds which will go towards Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) installing a defibrillator at the top of the Minster’s central tower. Funds will also go towards creating a memorial at the school to Kath Luck, a member of staff at Park Grove School who died of a heart attack earlier this year.
Park Grove School decided to raise funds for medical equipment in memory of Kath earlier this year and contacted the YAS for advice on what would be of use in the York area. A defibrillator for the Minster tower was suggested following the airlift of a visitor from the tower on the 25 April 2008. A defibrillator is used to treat a cardiac arrest within the crucial first few minutes and can save lives.
Over 250 children ranging from 4 to 11 years from Park Grove Community School, along with YAS’s Community Defibrillator Officer Neil Marsay, walked from their school, along the city walls, under Bootham Bar and past the Minster in fancy dress on Friday.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service will be training members of Minster Staff to use the equipment as part of the Ambulance Service Community First Responders Scheme. This scheme runs throughout Yorkshire and includes over 1500 volunteers in the region who are trained to provide immediate treatment at certain emergencies before the arrival of an emergency vehicle.
Any donations to the school’s fund will be welcome, please contact Park Grove School on 01904 659727.
Kieron Learoyd, Health & Safety Manager at York Minster, said, “Tens of thousands of visitors climb up the Minster’s central tower each year and although it’s very rewarding it is hard work too. We do our best to help people make sure they are confident of their fitness before they start up the 275 steps, but it will be very good to have this potentially life-saving equipment at the top as well as the first aider who is always on duty. This is a great gesture by the pupils of Park Grove School and I hope they all enjoy their walk.”
(The picture shows children from Park Grove School who took part in the walk on the West steps of the Minster)