Tarporley High School, which has just been rated as outstanding by Ofsted, has raised enough money for a defibrillator to be installed in the school thanks to many hours of fundraising and to a final donation from the village’s first responders.

The funding campaign initially began with a number of students from the school council who held cake sales, tuck shops and stalls at parents’ evenings in a bid to raise the funds needed.

Led by Alison Wade, a teacher at the school, the students also approached local businesses who were keen to contribute to the cause.

Thankfully, the final funding came from Tarporley First  Responders, a group of volunteers who operate on an on-call basis to attend serious incidents until an ambulance arrives and who carry defibrillators, oxygen and first aid kits.

They are crucial in situations such as cardiac arrests where time can mean the difference between life and death.

Jenn Armitage and Jeremy Mills, both first responders, presented Alison and the students, with a cheque for £150 to cover the final cost of the defibrillator.

Jenn  said: “It’s brilliant that the school can finally have such an important piece of equipment.

“With so many young people and adults under one roof, it’s vital that they have access to this potentially life-saving tool.”

The defibrillator will be placed in the school’s reception area in close proximity to three members of support staff who have since attended specialist training on how to use the equipment.

Alison  said: “I would like to thank the students for all  their hard work in making this happen and of course the local businesses and Tarporley First Responders for their generous donations.”

As part of the scheme North West Ambulance Service has provided two defibrillators for Tarporley village, which are already based at The Swan Hotel and the Co-operative.

For more information about community first responder schemes visit www.nwas-responders.info .