A BRAND new defibrillator has just been installed for the community in Dodington.

Dodington Parish Council have been working tirelessly over the last few years to ensure the safety of residents in the ward.

The ward stretches most of South Yate, including Shire Way and Codrington.

The council made the pledge to deliver more defibrillators in the community after a 17-year-old resident in the area suffered a cardiac arrest on his driveway in the early hours of the morning six years ago.

Alex Turner, now 23, survived thanks to a neighbour finding him and performing CPR until paramedics arrived.

Alex’s mum Hilary then launched a campaign to try and increase the number of defibrillators in the area in the hope of helping others who suffer a cardiac arrest.

Now, Dodington Parish Council have unveiled their latest defibrillator, after installing others at Kelston Close and Raysfield School, at the Wishing Well Pub on Wapley Road in Codrington.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The council is delighted to announce the installation of a new defibrillator in Dodington South Ward.

“The defibrillator has been installed with the kind permission of landlord Mark Tobin.

“This was done after being approached by local parishioner, Hilary Turner whose son had a Sudden Cardiac Arrest.”

Hilary, Alex’s mum, also praised the installation.

“We are so grateful to Dodington Parish Council for continuing to install these lifesaving defibrillators,” she said.

“Since our son collapsed in 2013 with a cardiac arrest, our daughter has had a diagnosis of C.P.V.T (Catecholamingeric polymorphic ventricular tachycardia).

“Knowing that defibrillators are in our community to provide help in saving someone’s life means a lot to our family.”

Chairman of the council David Lane said: “The council is delighted to bring this life-saving equipment to our ward.

"We are grateful for the support of the Wishing Well pub for allowing us to install the defibrillator.”