Two individuals honored with Pride of Britain awards donated 140 defibrillators to a police force, marking a significant contribution to life-saving efforts through their remarkable fundraising endeavors.
The occasion of Restart A Heart Day held special significance in Durham, where 140 police response vehicles were equipped with these vital devices. The initiative, championed by the Mirror publication, advocates for increased defibrillator availability nationwide, especially in public areas. The charitable efforts of last year’s Pride of Britain awardees, Sergio and Emma Petrucci of the Red Sky Foundation, raised £180,000 to procure the latest defibrillator technology.
Sergio, 49, and Emma, 43, have made substantial contributions to life-saving causes nationwide. During a meeting with charity supporter Steve Cram at Durham police headquarters, Sergio emphasized the life-saving impact of the defibrillators, stating, “This will ultimately save lives.” He emphasized the importance of taking action in critical situations, underscoring the significance of having these devices in every police vehicle in the Durham area.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Turner, 42, shared a personal experience of surviving a heart attack thanks to a defibrillator at a gym in Newton Aycliffe. He expressed gratitude for the device that saved his life, highlighting the critical role it plays in emergencies. Turner commended Durham police for ensuring that every vehicle now carries this life-saving equipment.
Sergio and Emma, who represented the North East at the Pride of Britain awards last year after raising £2.5 million for their charity, focus on supporting individuals of all ages with complex heart conditions. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with Cram expressing admiration for the positive impact Sergio and his team bring to their events.
In a recent initiative, Red Sky Foundation donated nearly £200,000 to equip 154 defibrillators in Northumbria Police vehicles, resulting in the saving of multiple lives. Sergio’s motivation stems from personal stories like that of Jamie Rees, 18, whose tragic cardiac arrest could have been prevented with timely defibrillator access.
The impact of organ donation in saving lives, including that of an eight-month-old baby girl who received a liver transplant, further underscores the importance of widespread defibrillator availability. Advocates, like Naomi, a bereaved mother from Rugby, Warwickshire, call for mandatory defibrillator placement in all police forces across the UK.
Efforts to enforce this requirement gain support from various stakeholders, including an employment law advisor who engaged with Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson earlier in the year. The push for mandatory defibrillator placement receives backing from Joy Allen, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, who pledges her full support to this critical cause.