Support and activity is building fast for the Aston Defibrillator Fund (ADF) since its launch at the end of September.

A recent appeal to help fund and locate a public access defibrillator (PAD) on the front of the old Squires Sugarcraft shop, which is currently under refurbishment in Waverley Lane, continued that momentum.

Located in an spot of high footfall, high residency and low defibrillator coverage, its location was a natural target for the ADF to deliver real benefit to the area around the railway station, Waverley Lane and Broomleaf Road.

An appeal was launched through the Herald to buy a PAD for the location, with the hope community support would see it quickly funded and installed.

Almost immediately, Jon Curtis, a trustee of The Dempster Trust – who had recently helped a friend and neighbour to provide and install a PAD for public use outside their homes – put the idea to his colleagues in the Dempster Trust that they might also make a similar contribution to this particular community initiative.

Once agreed, it was only a matter of days before the first corporately-funded installation became a reality, being installed on Monday, November 4 at 1-3 Waverley Lane.

Keith Harris, ADF trustee, said: “The ADF is most grateful to the Dempster Trust for their generous donation, as well as to Marion Parnell, CEO of Hones Business Park, for providing 24/7 access to the PAD and the provision of power for the unit, which will be cared for by her maintenance team and the ADF guardians.”

To get involved, or make a donation to this community initiative, email [email protected] or visit www.astondefibs.org.uk