A DRIVE to cut coronary deaths in Cumbria by raising money to buy 100 defibrillators in 100 days has been launched.

Cumbria County Council Chairman Alan Barry aims to use his chairman’s fundraising appeal to pay for 100 defibrillators to be located in communities across the county.

A launch event in Carlisle, included demonstrations of the machine given by Barrow Fire Station Watch Manager Mark Ducie.

The plan is to purchase defibrillators that are fitted inside a secure metal box with key code access. Each box will then be placed outside community buildings and in town centres so that if an emergency occurs the 999 service will give the caller the location of the nearest machine along with the key code so that treatment can be administered while the ambulance is on its way.

The defibrillators provide verbal instructions on how to operate them and will only deliver a shock if they do not detect a heartbeat – thereby ensuring they are not used in the wrong situations.

The appeal was originated by Coun John Murphy and his late wife, Eleanor, in Barrow. The appeal is launched with his kind permission and is dedicated in Eleanor’s memory.

Coun Barry said: “This is such an important cause. I am passionate about raising money locally that will benefit local people going forward and I really hope we can reach and even exceed the target and put life-saving defibrillators in communities across Cumbria.

“I appeal to everyone in the county to get involved either by organising or taking part in a fundraising activity or by donating at the Cumberland Building Society.”

“I am pleased that the Chairman is taking this appeal county-wide,” said Coun Murphy. “These machines really are life-savers and I hope we can raise enough to place them in every community.”

A fundraising page has been added to the county council website where people can download a pack to help them get involved www.cumbria.gov.uk/100days and donations can be made at any Cumberland Building Society in the county