AN award-winning Hartlepool charity’s mission to create a town-wide network of life-saving community defibrillators has received a major boost with the unveiling of its 87th unit.DS43 Community Defibrillators has installed it on an external wall on the café terrace at Highlight – Hartlepool’s new multi-million-pound Active Wellbeing Hub, which is now open to the public. The charity was founded by Pam and Bill Shurmer, alongside David Cairns, in memory of their son Danny, who tragically died from a cardiac arrest at just 43 years old in 2021. Each new installation brings the charity closer to its ambitious goal of ensuring that, wherever possible, everyone in Hartlepool lives within a 350-metre radius of a publicly accessible defibrillator. The Highlight defibrillator also underscores the strength of the ongoing partnership between DS43 Community Defibrillators and Hartlepool Borough Council. Working closely together, the collaboration has led to the installation of 40 of the town’s 87 devices, bringing life-saving equipment closer to residents and visitors alike. Pam said: “We’re incredibly proud to see our 87th defibrillator installed at Highlight, a fantastic new facility at the heart of the community. This is an area with high footfall, and having a device here—available 24 hours a day, seven days a week—could make a life-saving difference when every second counts. We’re very grateful to Hartlepool Borough Council for their continued support and for granting permission to install this defibrillator.”Councillor Rob Darby, chair of the council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, added: “We are delighted to be working so effectively alongside DS43 Community Defibrillators, whose dedication and passion continue to make a real difference in our communities. The charity’s remarkable efforts to create a comprehensive network of accessible defibrillators are helping to save lives and ensure residents are never far from vital emergency equipment. We are proud to support this outstanding initiative and look forward to building on our successful partnership in the years ahead.”
DS43 Community Defibrillators fully funds devices, cabinets and the costs of installation. Meanwhile, Hartlepool Borough Council has provided vital support by providing access to a power source via innovative mini lamp posts in areas where there are no commercial premises to host a defibrillator. Three years ago, the council granted the charity £10,000, which funded the first 12 of these lamp posts. Building on that foundation, DS43 has since funded a further 28, significantly expanding coverage into new areas and ensuring no community is left behind.
A council spokesperson said: “The installation at Highlight – where facilities include three swimming pools, a 100-station gym, fitness suites and a dedicated spin studio – not only enhances safety at one of Hartlepool’s newest and busiest destinations but also stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when community spirit, partnership, and purpose come together.”
They added: “As DS43 Community Defibrillators continues its vital work, each new device brings Hartlepool closer to a future where help is always within reach—and more lives can be saved.”
- If you have a group or organisation that would like to know more about CPR and early defibrillation or more about the charity’s work, we would love to hear from you. Visit our Facebook page or email [email protected]
- To make a donation to the campaign, readers can reach the PayPal link by visiting ww.ds43communitydefibrillators.org.uk/ and clicking on the DONATE button or make direct payments to NatWest Bank, account number 35304642, sort code 54-21-54
- Readers can also scan the QR code shown to donate to the campaign appeal or make a donation in person at Hartlepool Life, Greenbank, Stranton, TS24 7QS
