SURREY Army Cadets have taken delivery of four brand new AED training units following a generous grant of £1,391 from the George Bairstow Charitable Trust (GBCT).

Maria Bairstow and Vivian Bairstow travelled to Farnham Detachment, Surrey ACF to present the cheque and see a demonstration of the new training equipment in action.

The GBCT was set up in March 2014 in memory of George Bairstow and exists so that the difference George made to people’s lives can continue. George died in 2013 following a car accident when returning from a volunteer duty with St John Ambulance on Bonfire Night.

Surrey Army Cadet Force trains all its cadets in first aid. Cadets can gain St John Ambulance Youth First Aid and Activity First Aid Certificates, on participation of courses run throughout the year by the group’s qualified Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

The four AED trainers will be used to enhance these courses for cadets. The AEDs were supplied by WEL Medical Ltd at a discounted price, to the benefit the 450 cadets that will now have access to the trainers.

Cpl Matthew Larmer from Farnham said: “It’s great to have the trainers, it gives me the confidence to use one if a real emergency occurs. I really like first aid, it’s an essential life skill to have and I’ve even competed at it representing Surrey.”

Vivian suggested that the GBCT might provide equipment that would not otherwise be available through the MoD.

Major David Williams, who recently retired from the ACF, said: “He suggested that I should make a bid for funds. After consultation at Frimley CTC and my colleagues, Lt Adrian Hirons and Second Lt Tally Alden, we decided to apply to the trust for sufficient funds for the training aids back in 2015.

“I’m very grateful to all those involved and the trust for investing in our young people, giving them lifesaving skills for the future.”

The chairman of the GBCT trustees, Maria Bairstow, added: “We are delighted to support Surrey ACF with this grant, as this programme goes to the root of all three of the trusts aims, encouraging volunteering among young people, enhancing skills among young people, and supporting community emergency aid.”