New defibrillator unveiled for the Needles in Horsham

Horsham District Council Chairman Cllr David Skipp unveiled a new public access defibrillator at the Needles Neighbourhood Centre in Three Acres, Horsham on Wednesday 23 September.

Instrumental in delivering the defibrillator was community resident and retired nurse Pat Pigott who rallied local support for the project.

Pat launched a crowdfunding campaign on national ’Start a Heart Day’ on 16 October 2020.

Cllr Skipp commented:

I am delighted to officially unveil this defibrillator which can be used to treat a person who has collapsed from a cardiac arrest within minutes of it happening.

We saw the outcome of urgent treatment given recently to the Swedish football player during the European Cup football match when instant action on the pitch saved his life.

Thanks to the commitment and persistence of Pat Pigott, the willingness of the community to be involved in fund raising,  and the involvement of local clubs and businesses and the Horsham Responders, this vital piece of life saving equipment has been purchased and placed here in the Needles.

It is truly a community response to an unmet need.

Pat added:

As a retired nurse I have been involved with cardiac arrests in many different situations and so am very aware that speedy access to a defibrillator can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival.

I am delighted that the defibrillator is now in place and enough money has been raised for the maintenance and replacement battery and pads needed for its 10-year life.

My thanks go out to Horsham Community First Responders, Horsham Tigers FC, Horsham Lions, Catkins Nursery, Mountjoy Construction and Horsham District Council, amongst many others, who have helped get this project over the line and donated so generously.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .