A LIFE-SAVING group says it is 'overwhelmed' by the generosity of a Chard business which has funded a defibrillator.

Chard Defib Group has been working to ensure the essential equipment is available throughout the town.

The group has funding to purchase ten defibrillators thanks to generous donations and fundraising.

The most recent installation has taken place at outside Lentells Accountants on Leach Road.

Clive Adams, from the group, approached different businesses in the area to fund the defib machine. This came following success with a similar project in the Milfield Industrial Estate where a machine is now placed at the cafe.

But Lentells was the only business to come back with a contribution - but not enough to fund the entire thing. Upon realising the importance of the scheme, the company generously pledged to fund the defib machine itself and worked with the group to install it.

Mr Adams said: "Unfortunately only Lentells Accountant replied and wished to support the cause, however the funding would obviously not be sufficient to purchase a defibrillator. So Lentells as a company realised the importance of a life-saving defibrillator and donated the full amount for the defibrillator.

"We are overwhelmed by there generosity and are grateful in their funding as a company for this life-saving equipment."

A spokesman said: "Lentells is delighted to have funded and installed a defibrillator outside its Chard office for the use of local businesses and the community.

"We would like to thank all the help and support we received from Clive Adams of the Chard Defib Group.

"More than 3,600 people are resuscitated by ambulance staff every year in the South West because they suffer a pre-hospital cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes once in cardiac arrest, a person loses a further 10 per cent chance of survival, and with this dramatic loss in chance of survival, there is a need of a defibrillator every 4-5 minutes walk."

The defib group has also received some other recent donations, including £1,175 from Chard kitties league, and Chard Tesco voted to help the cause in the Bags of Help scheme which brought in £4,000. Chard Town Council has also donated £1,800.

Mr Adams added: "We will be running a tombola awareness day at the Guildhall in Chard to raise more funds. These will be held on the Christmas light switch on on Friday evening November 30, Saturday December 1 and Saturday December 15. If anyone has any donation towards the tombola please drop off in Eleos in Chard.

We would like to thank Eleos Cafe in Chard who have been amazing throughout. They have collected prizes for us, donated prizes, given us use of thier rooms for meetings and public training sessions and even held events raising funds for the Defib group. They can’t do enough for us so thank you to Nat, Sarah and all their staff for their support and generosity."