A DEFIBRILLATOR support group has held its first ever presentation evening to discuss plans for the present and the future.

The group is responsible for raising cash to provide the life saving equipment at venues across Bolton. And, as Will Titterington reports, they are looking to spread the word.

BOLTON Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) Support Group — joined by a 150 strong audience including supporters and sponsors — descended on King’s Church in Bolton for their presentation.

On the night, a total of 31 defibrillators were donated to various schools, community groups and sports clubs throughout Bolton in what was the biggest collective donation the group has made since it created “Defibs4Bolton” in 2012.

The first defibrillator was handed out to King’s Church and the final one to Plodder Lane Conservative Club — the 62nd the support group has donated.

It represents an incredible achievement, one which chief fundraiser Tracey Wilkinson recognises would not be possible without the support the group receive from members of the local community and sponsors.

“We couldn’t have done it without sponsors,” she said. “Sponsors are important. We can’t make this kind of money without them.”

The kind of money Mrs Wilkinson is talking about includes the £12,500 raised by the recent Heart of Bolton Ball, which ultimately made Wednesday night’s donation extravaganza possible.

Mark Ray, of Ravat & Ray, who presented a defibrillator to five local sports clubs, says his company are “proud to be associated with such a fantastic charity."

Tracey Garde, speaking on behalf of Team Eagley Bank, who donated to four schools including Sharples High school, added: “I feel privileged and honoured to be here tonight.”

Dougie Tobutt, an individual supporter, has run 125 marathons throughout his life, with his 125th taking place a few weeks ago when he competed in the Athens marathon. Each marathon he runs is for a local charity.

He said: “Once I’d seen the kind of work Tracey and the gang were doing, it was a no brainer for me. This year I’d be doing my 125th for them.’

But he, like everyone connected to the ICD group, recognised that the night was not just a cause for celebration, nor a night simply of donations. It was about raising awareness.

Julie Hilling, local MP, who rushed to King’s Church from London to show her support, also knows the value of raising nationwide awareness, appealing to the audience to write to MP’s.

She said: “If only somebody nearby you knew what to do if you suffered a cardiac arrest. It shouldn’t be a case of getting lucky. It should be a case of someone near you, in this country, knowing what to do. If we all knew what to do, think how many lives could be saved?”

Support group meetings are held throughout the year, with Bolton ICD relying on public donations, as well as fundraising events and sponsorship to purchase their defibrillators. To find out more, you can email them at boltonicdsupportgroup@hotmail.co.uk