Children at North Yorkshire school are leading the way with a fundraising project which aims to buy and install a new public defibrillator.

The outstanding-rated Brackenfield School in Harrogate is raising money for this essential piece of life-saving equipment, which will be located within the community and just outside of the school’s grounds.

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Research has shown that 12 people under the age of 35 die each week from sudden cardiac arrest, with 80 per cent of cases happening at home and 20 per cent in public places.

A defibrillator delivers a high energy, electric shock to the heart through the chest and can be the difference between life and death.

If used within the first minute of a cardiac arrest, an individual’s survival rate is likely to be nearer 90 per cent. 

Brackenfield's two school community captains from year 6, are being supported by the senior leadership team to fundraise for worthy, local causes.

So far, they have pushed forward their efforts by making specially designed posters to spread the news of their defibrillator ambition.

For their first fundraiser, the youngsters organised a table top sale which included stalls selling cakes, sweets and other wares that the children had made in their DT lessons such as wooden fidget toys and bunting.

Headteacher Joe Masterton, said: “Our community captains help our school to support the local community, which is something we value because it provides a wider education for our children as they learn to give something back.

"We’re delighted they have chosen such a worthwhile cause this time round and are putting in extra efforts to raise funds to buy this vital medical tool.

“Helping our children to understand the importance of our bodies and what to do when something goes wrong is also an important lesson."

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The cost of a defibrillator varies depending on the model type, but typically comes in at anywhere between £800 and £2,500.

The next cohort of year 6 pupils will continue with their predecessors’ efforts from the autumn when the new academic year commences in September.

Previous Brackenfield community projects have included whole school litter picks in collaboration with a local conservation group, as well as singing at local care homes, supermarkets and community concerts.

 

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