We've enhanced community safety by installing a publicly accessible defibrillator at the home of Leek Town Football Club, Harrison Park. This installation supports an ongoing community fundraising campaign to place a defibrillator at the club in memory of local men James Lockett and Pete Tylman, marking a significant collaboration for community safety.
The new defibrillator was installed by AEDdonate, a charity partner for Leek Building Society's wider community health pledge. This pledge commits the Society to installing 100 defibrillators across its heartland of Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Shropshire within four years, significantly improving access to life-saving equipment in the regions it serves.
The new unit at the football club provides immediate access for players, staff, and spectators in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest and is registered on the national defibrillator network, making it available for public use during emergencies.
Following the Society’s contribution of a fixed unit, the community’s fundraising efforts will now be channelled towards acquiring a portable defibrillator. This will ensure that both the men’s and women’s teams of Leek Town Football Club have critical life-saving equipment available during away fixtures, extending a shield of safety beyond their home ground.
Claire McCarthy, Chief of Staff at Leek Building Society, commented, “Supporting the wellbeing of our local communities has always been a commitment for Leek Building Society. Installing this defibrillator was a priority, as it not only protects players and spectators at Harrison Park, but its accessible location means the entire community benefits from this life-saving resource".
This initiative runs parallel to the Society’s long-standing commitment to the high street, which includes installing defibrillators at all 12 of its branch locations. This move ensures that each branch serves as a community hub equipped for emergency response, placing essential life-saving equipment at the heart of the towns and communities the Society proudly serves.
