Witchford Village Hall is now home to a life-saving piece of equipment, donated as part of a £1 million project by the region’s ambulance service.

The hall is one of a 1,000 organisations and businesses including social clubs, schools and pubs to receive a defibrillator donated by the East of England Ambulance Service Community Defibrillator Project.

Local paramedic and Witchford resident, Larissa Prothero said: “I’m really proud that Witchford has a community access defibrillator, which is now installed and ready to use.

“Time is critical when someone’s heart stops beating so it is reassuring to know the village now has one should it be needed in case of an emergency.”

With support from local groups, businesses and the Community Heartbeat Trust, the Witchford Playing Field Association (WPFA) raised approximately £1,000 to purchase a specialised stainless steel cabinet to house the defibrillator.

There will be two defibrillator awareness events at the village hall on September 8 at 12.30pm and 7pm to give local residents the opportunity to familiarise themselves with what to do when someone has a cardiac arrest.

These two hour sessions will be open to all and will cover topics including what is a cardiac arrest and how to recognise one, what to expect when you call 999, how to do CPR, how to use the defibrillator and post event stress management.

The WPFA would like to thank those who donated to this local community project - Witchford Parish Council, Ely Rotary Club, Ely XT, Ely Electrical Services, Alan Richardson Builders, Mr A MacDonald, Witchford Childminders, Witchford Colts (Football) and Witchford Sports & Social Club.

For further information about defibrillators and to book your place, please contact: larissa_prothero@yahoo.co.uk or 07546-421956