Staff at a Royston school were delighted to announce that the community’s generosity has meant they have bought two life-saving defibrillators after they launched an appeal to drum up funds.

Royston Crow: The new defibrillators were funded by donations from parents, students and the community.The new defibrillators were funded by donations from parents, students and the community. (Image: Archant)

Since the appeal went live back in March, contributions have come in from parents, students, staff and governors, town organisations and individuals who use the school site during the evenings and weekends.

Acting deputy headteacher David Atkins said: “We are extremely grateful to all who have donated money to make this possible.

“This generosity has helped to create a safer environment for our community and may, indeed, help to improve the chances of saving lives in the future.”

One of the defibrillators is now kept in the open main reception area of the school in Garden Walk, and the second will be kept in a cabinet in the pavilion building.

The defibrillators are intended to be able to be used without specific training, but a familiarisation session was delivered by members of the ambulance service to help build confidence.

This was well attended by school staff and the community, and another session is due to be held in the next academic year.

School office team member Karen Bickers was instrumental in starting the fundraising project.

“Thank you to everyone who has made this possible,” she said.

“The fundraising site is still open, but will close shortly – we would welcome any additional donations, either online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Meridianschool or in person at the school office, since the extra money will help in the cost of maintenance and battery replacement in the coming years.”

For more on Meridian School see www.meridian.herts.sch.uk/.