A LIFESAVING defibrillator has been donated in memory of Sir David Amess.

Leigh Fire Station, in St Helens Road, is now home to a new defibrillator donated by a nearby football team.  

The defibrillator was given by Leigh Rockets, who play at Blenheim Park, just behind the fire station.

They donated £1700 to pay for the life saving device and asked if it could be installed on the outside wall of the fire station so it is accessible to the whole community 24/7.

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Ian Ramset, chair of Leigh Rockets, said this piece of equipment is vital.

He said: “We purchased the defibrillator from club funds as research shows that 90 per cent of cardiac arrests in young athletes happen either during or immediately after exercise.

“By performing CPR and using a defibrillator you can help double the chances of survival.

“It is important for us as a football club to have one, but we wanted it to be available to all, and not just when we use the park at the weekend.

“We approached Leigh Fire Station who kindly offered to fit the device and maintain it for us.”

Sir David Amess was a firm supporter of Leigh Fire Station and fire and rescue services generally.

The crews wanted to mark his memory in a fitting way, so asked the club and councillors if it could be installed in his name.

Mark Elliott, Leigh Station manager, said: “It is connected to a national circuit and when some dials 999, they will be directed to it if they are nearby, and talked through how to use it.

“We are all first aid trained and here 24/7 so it made sense to have it here and available.

“I would like to thank Leigh Rockets for being so community minded and coming up with this excellent idea that we are pleased to support.”

Councillor Helen Boyd added: “It is a lovely idea to have a memorial to Sir David at the fire station which he always enjoyed visiting, especially something that will bring so much benefit to residents.”