Thursday 7th August 2014 – 1pm – Chris Kowalik.
A girl in north Shropshire didn’t want any presents for her sixth birthday – instead she asked for donations from her friends attending her birthday party for her local volunteer lifesavers.
Rebecca Sadler of Quina Brook near Wem decided for the money to go to North Shropshire Community First Responders because having seen Lynne Stokes and other CFR at local events her parents explained the important role they have and how donations help to buy new equipment or vehicles. She raised £75.
Her father Neale said: “Rebecca wanted to raise money for a local charity after her brother William raised money for the air ambulance in the same way for his 6th birthday. The launch of the new response cars was perfect timing for Rebecca to see and appreciate how the money raised had been used – and don’t worry, Rebecca still had a few presents from her family.”
Community First Responders are volunteers from all walks of life who are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service in lifesaving techniques. They can be called upon by the ambulance service’s control room to attend a medical incident in their area while an emergency blue-light vehicle is en-route.
There are eight active Community First Responders within the North Shropshire scheme covering Market Drayton, Whitchurch, Shawbury and Wem. One of them, Lynne Stokes met Rebecca (both pictured) to thank her for the donation.
Lynne said: “Rebecca is a pupil at Whixall Primary School where I work. I was totally surprised when Rebecca handed me the cheques from her birthday party. This is a truly selfless thought from a 6 year old. We are all overwhelmed at Rebecca’s considerate thoughts and kindness.”
For more information about the work of Community First Responders, or to become one yourself, visit http://www.wmas.nhs.uk or call the Community Response department on 01384 215 855.
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