A community-spirited family man’s tireless fundraising has made his neighbourhood a much safer place to be.

Lee Challinor, of Melbourne Road, Blacon, has raised thousands upon thousands of pounds to install 11 defibrillators across Blacon and Saughall.

The 34-year-old joiner spearheads Blacon Defibrillator Fund, which launched last year and was inspired by his own family’s experiences of heart conditions.

His eldest three children have pulmonary stenosis and his grandfather passed away from cardiac arrest in June.

Lee, who is backed by cardiac charity SADS UK, said: “Credit to Blacon, people have been absolutely fantastic in supporting us.

“I can honestly say that Blacon is a very safe place to have a cardiac arrest.”

Thanks to Blacon Defibrillator Fund, these £1,000 life-saving devices are now located at Blacon High School, Dee Point Primary School, Highfield Community Primary School, The Arches Community Primary School, J H Godwin Primary School, St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School, Blacon Children’s Centre, Blacon Youth Football Club, Saughall All Saints CE Primary School, Carlton Shopping Centre and Blacon Community Trust’s Kids Community Club.

The North West Ambulance Service awarded Lee, along with others from Blacon Defibrillator Fund, the Cardiac Smart Gold Award.

He has also won a Blacon Community Award for his work.

Lee, who said he was ‘overwhelmed and surprised’ to be nominated, added: “I’m the driving force but I have a team of people who work really hard too.”