A woman has raised money to install a defibrillator for public use in memory of her friend who died suddenly of a cardiac arrest.

Di Coulson officially launched the equipment at the Esso garage near the Whittlesey water tower.

The equipment is in a secure unit but can be used by anyone of any age at any time of day or night in order to save a life.

No training is necessary at it gives verbal step by step instructions.

Di said: “The initial fund raiser was one for very personal reasons and we are extremely proud of the outcome it has achieved.

“As we raised more money than we required my sister Deborah Slator put forward the idea of setting up the charitable organisation Defibrillators for All which is local and aims to get more public access defibrillators in the Whittlesey area.”

Deborah, chair of Defibrillators for All, is a local first aid professional who had a passionate vision for the cause and helped apply for charitable status.

They are now on their way to raising more money for a second defibrillator to be installed in the Victory Avenue area of town.

Di decided to raise money after her friend Mandi Lee died unexpectedly of a cardiac arrest in August last year.

Mandi lived in Oundle but worked and spent a lot of her time in Whittlesey.

Di said: “I would just like to give you all a very heartfelt and sincere thankyou for the support that everyone has given to this cause and I hope you will continue to support us for the good of the community.”

She also thanked the many local businesses who supported their fund raising efforts in particular Pushpa and TE Ramm for installing it free of charge.

For more information join them on Facebook Defibrillators for All.