RESIDENTS campaigning for a town centre defibrillator have another life-saving piece of equipment thanks to a charity collection.

Tim Butt, 24, of Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, who is raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young after his heart stopped for 25 minutes, officially presented a defibrillator to Billericay Town Football Club in Blunts Wall Road, during a charity football match on Saturday.

A match in September raised £500 for the lifesaving equipment, but only now has been purchased and people trained to use it.

Tim said: “A defibrillator is the only equipment that can save a life and make someone come out of a cardiac arrest.

“Billericay Street Pastors are also trying to raise money for a defibrillator in the High Street so hopefully highlighting the need for one will help their campaign.”

The equipment was presented during Jenny’sMatch, which saw friends and family of former Echo delivery girl Jenny Kerwood raise £2,080 for Cardiac Risk in the Young in her honour.

Football-mad Jenny, 22, of Kilbarry Walk, Billericay, collapsed while training with Hutton Ladies FC at Shenfield High School in February 2012.

It was later discovered Jenny suffered from a rare heart defect called Bland White Garland Syndrome, which had gone undetected.

The condition means the left coronary artery connects to the wrong artery.

Jenny’s Match raised £2,080, and now means there is enough money to add heart screening for young Billericay residents.

The cash will be added towards £6,500 already raised by Tim Butt, who cycled 1,000 miles across South America.

To add to the fund, for Cardiac Risk in the Young, visit cryathlon.com