By Isle of Wight Observer
A new potentially life-saving defibrillator has been installed at The Chine Inn, in Shanklin, following a community fund-raising effort.
The equipment was funded by the pub team and customers, with regular customer Jonathon Diffey, of ASL Group, donating the outstanding balance needed to reach the target.
The fund-raising target was reached within a week, allowing the defibrillator to be installed on an outside wall of the pub, where it is accessible to people using the nearby beach and cliff path.
Steve Reid, of charity IW Defibrillators, also contributed towards the equipment and completed the installation. The charity will continue to maintain and service the defibrillator, to ensure it remains ready for use in an emergency.
Steve will host a free training session at The Chine Inn on Monday (August 17), from 3pm to 4pm, teaching staff, customers, and local residents about CPR, and the importance of early access to a defibrillator. Steve has personal experience of the importance of the equipment, having himself survived an incident in which a defibrillator was used.
Staff from ASL Group and The Chine Inn will also take part in the session, which is open to customers and local residents. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided.
Places should be booked in advance by emailing manager@thechineinn.uk or calling 07377 941047.
The Chine Inn thanked Jonathon, Steve and its customers for helping to make the installation possible.