Join Southport Saviours’ ‘Defib Dash’ this November and help save lives

Local life-saving campaigners from Southport Saviours are set to take on their ambitious ‘Defib Dash’ across town this November.

Taking place on Sunday, 24 November 2024, Southport Saviours are inviting everyone to join in, whether by running, walking, or cycling, to support a cause that could genuinely be a matter of life and death for those in the community.

Southport Saviours has already made a significant impact by installing 20 defibrillators across the town, providing round-the-clock access to these life-saving devices.

The charity’s aim is simple but vital: install accessible defibrillators in public spaces and offer training to anyone who may one day need to use them.

Emma Caunce, a trustee at Southport Saviours, said:

“By the end of this year we will have installed 20 accessible defibrillators in the community, accessible meaning being available 24/7 and outside.

“We want to raise awareness, install more, and help train people who might be less confident in using them.

“One day they might save someone’s life.”

Emma, who owns and is a personal trainer at Kinetics in Southport, will be running the full 25k on the day however, anyone can join and support by running, walking or biking any distance.

The team aims to start at 7:30 am at Kinetics and then make their way to the Woollen Pig in Crossens for coffee and croissants.

As the group reaches each defibrillator, a raffle will be drawn with prizes for everyone. Southport Saviours are reaching out to local businesses to support the cause and donate.

Alongside the runners will be ‘Derek the Defib’, a portable machine in case of emergencies.

Southport Saviours are no strangers to big fundraising ideas. Earlier this year they ran the Southport Mad Dog 10k dressed as a wedding party. Now they’re taking on their biggest challenge yet.

Emma said:

“We do have quite a lot of defibrillators in Southport now. The problem is a defibrillator has a covering radius of just around 400 metres, any further, you won’t have time to make it back to save the patient.

“Some also aren’t accessible 24/7. The money we raise from the dash will go towards installing more in Southport and surrounding areas.

“I became involved in Southport Saviours after Richard, a client at the gym and a good friend of mine had a heart attack while running the Blackpool Marathon.

“A defibrillator saved his life.

“My dad also has heart conditions so I started a fundraiser to get our own defibrillator at the gym.

“We set up the foundation in May 2023 and now we’re growing at a good pace.”

Southport Saviours is always looking for people to get involved and have a chat, whether that be a location for a new defibrillator or advice about using one.

You can find out more about the charity here: https://www.southportsaviours.co.uk/

To find out more about the ‘Defib Dash’ you can visit their social media here.

The team also plans to livestream the event for anyone who wishes to support by sharing the page.