Friday 6th June 2014 – 10.30am – Suzie Fothergill.
The dedicated husband of a Gnosall Community First Responder* (CFR) will be taking on a mammoth challenge this Saturday to raise vital funds for the lifesaving volunteers.
CFRs are groups of volunteers that respond to medical emergencies in the remote rural communities fast. In many illnesses or injuries the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.
CFRS are trained by the Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level and maybe requested to attend to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrestS, chest pain and breathing problems prior to the arrival of an ambulance.
These schemes are entirely funded by charitable donations and many CFRs and local residents to groups can be found actively taking part in events and fundraising to help raise money.
Gnosall swimming teacher, Steve Cartlidge has been supporting the Gnosall community first responder scheme since it was established in 2006. Steve who is also the husband of one of the responders has already undertaken the Edinburgh marathon, a Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle, Ironman UK and Lanzarote and Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in a bid to raise vital funds.
The 55 year old Smart Strokes teacher will this year be taking on the Ben Nevis challenge. The challenge, which will take place on Saturday 7th June, will see a team of four (including Steve) climb Ben Nevis, cycle 15 miles, canoe 2 miles and then cycle a further 10 miles.
Steve’s wife, Ann said: “Steve has raised funds for us each year by taking on a new challenge. We really appreciate his efforts. The money raised has enabled us, over the years, to buy new equipment and provided funds to help purchase our responder vehicle.”
If you would like to support Steve with his challenge please visit http://www.everyclick.com/gnosallcfrs2
Anyone interested in finding more about becoming a CFR can so by visiting http://www.wmas.nhs.uk/Pages/CFRs.aspx**
Ends
*The Gnosall CFR scheme started in 2006. At present the group have six active responders (three of the six being founders of the group) but the scheme is always on the look-out for new responders which will enable them to provide 24/7 cover to the village. Last year the group offered 2902 hours of cover and attended 373 calls.
**If you are interested in becoming at CFR volunteer, you should be:
• Aged between 18 – 70
• Have a current clean driving licence
• Be physically fit
• Be able to provide time when you can to attend incidents whether at home or work
• Have a caring nature and be willing to help raise the profile of the schemes in local areas