Claire Brown – Wednesday 14th September 2021 – 10.00am.
A volunteer community first responder group in Coventry has received a charity boost thanks to their local Lions Club.
Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders, a group of six community first responders (CFRs) in Coventry, were presented with a cheque for £1,500 on Friday 10th September outside Coventry City Council House by The Lions Club of Coventry Godiva. The event was attended by City of Coventry Lord Mayor, Cllr. John McNicholas and Lady Mayoress Dr June McNicholas who spent time speaking with the CFRs about their role in supporting the ambulance service.
Carl Rose, Trustee of Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders Coventry, said: “This generous donation is already being used to directly fund new equipment, including the purchase of modern ‘suction units’ to assist in patients who might otherwise be unable to maintain a clear airway, for example, those who have suffered a cardiac arrest.
“Our charity is funded entirely by voluntary donations, like this, and every penny helps to fund our vehicle and equipment which directly helps patients in and around Coventry. Our responders give their time freely and tirelessly to be there for patients in their time of need. Support from the Lions Club really means a lot and I’d like to thank them for their kind donation.”
President of Lions Club of Coventry Godiva, Pranoti Jadhav, said: “As a charitable group we aim to provide support to local and international charities and we are delighted to do just that for our local Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders. We are supporting two main charities this year, Save the Children and Bowel Cancer Research, but when we heard about the CFRs we couldn’t pass the opportunity to help.”
Nitin Koria, Head of Fundraising for Lions, added: “I’m Coventry born and bred, but I’d not been aware of the fantastic work of CFRs until I spoke with Carl which was really eye opening to me and to the Lions group. We try to raise big to give back big to charities that we feel are a worthy cause. After learning about the fantastic role of CFRs supporting the NHS we felt that we wanted to say thank you to them by helping with the purchase of equipment.”
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr John McNicholas, said: “I feel that it’s remarkable that we’ve got voluntary organisations working together for the benefit of the city and they’re doing a wonderful job. It’s very reassuring for the City that CFRs are there and long may it be so. I am looking forward to meeting ambulance staff and volunteers at Coventry hub in the near future to say a personal thank you on behalf of the City for their continued efforts.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Pictured (foreground): Pranoti Jadhav – President of Lions Club of Coventry Godiva presenting cheque to Carl Rose – Trustee of Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders, Coventry. (Background left to right): The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr John McNicholas and his wife, Lady Mayoress Dr June McNicholas, CFRs Ian Jenner and Manjit Uppal, Lions Head of Fundraising Nitin Koria and Lions Head of PR Ruby Ghataurhae.
- The Trust is currently recruiting CFRs across Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours a month to provide support to West Midlands Ambulance Service. The closing date for applications is Monday 27th September. To apply visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and search ‘community first responder.’ You can find out more about the role of Community First Responders via https://wmas.nhs.uk/wmas-services/community-first-responders/
- To find out more about Godiva Voluntary Medical Responders or to make a donation to support the group, please visit https://www.godivavoluntarymedicalresponders.com
- To find out more about Lions Club of Coventry Godiva please visit www.godivalions.org.uk or you can donate via Donate – Godiva Lions. Follow them on Instagram @godivalions & Facebook @Lions Club of Coventry Godiva