A SUPPORT group for heart patients has been recognised for its vital work across Bolton after it received a top award.

Bolton ICD (Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator) Support Group was presented with the Cardiac Smart Gold Award —the highest award possible in its category — by the North West Ambulance Service, in a ceremony at The Macron Stadium.

The group received the award in recognition of the training its members have given to schools, sports clubs and community groups, its engagement with community resuscitation teams across the North West Ambulance Service and its promotion of the four stages within the 'chain of survival'.

Tracey Wilkinson, fundraising manager for Bolton ICD Support Group, said: "It's a real honour to get recognition for all the work we have done, especially from a body of the stature of the North West Ambulance Service.

"Their chief executive Bob Williams was very complimentary of us and said we were doing a brilliant job, which was fantastic to hear.

"You read a lot about the NHS missing its response targets, but us getting defibrillators will help them.

"I've spoken to people in the North West Ambulance Service and they hate taking two hours to go out on a job, so it's really important we continue to support them."

Through its #defibs4bolton campaign, Bolton ICD Support Group has donated 62 automated external defibrillators over the last two years and it is hoped that, by the end of the year, it will have donated 100 defibrillators across Bolton.

With this target in mind, Mrs Wilkinson is determined to make 2015 a year to remember.

She said: "To get to 100 defibrillators would be absolutely brilliant. It's a lot of money, but our support so far has been amazing and we just hope that can continue."

Bolton ICD Support Group currently has a waiting list of 18 schools, sports clubs and community groups for the donation of defibrillators.

Because each defibrillator costs £700 to purchase, Bolton ICD Support Group holds fundraisers throughout the year.

Its next fundraiser will be a family bowling night at Hollywood Bowl in Middlebrook Retail Park on Tuesday February 17.

To find out more about this and other events, or to raise funds for Bolton ICD Support Group, contact boltonicdsupportgroup@hotmail.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can visit www.facebook.com/boltonicdsupportgroup or Twitter @BoltonICDGroup or @Defibs4Bolton.