Graham was very pleased to open the newest CADEY defibrillator located at Hedon Methodist Church.
This purchase was made possible thanks to the strong partnership between the church and CADEY (Community Access Defibrillators for East Yorkshire). The parishioners were spurred into action by the inimitable Ray Longhorn who, following a friend suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, asked the Church’s stewards if they could start fundraising.
By hosting coffee mornings and receiving generous donations from organisations such as the local branch of the Women’s Institute, the Church raised £1300 towards the cost of a defibrillator secure in the knowledge that CADEY would fund the remaining £1000. Graham visited the Church in November to present them with a giant cheque for this and was delighted to return to see their hard work come to fruition.
During his visit Graham met Ray and his wife Sue to congratulate them on their fantastic work to bring the community together and raise money for this life saving equipment. To mark the opening, they were joined by the church’s Minister, Reverand Ian Greenfield, the Church’s Community Manager, Seonaid Atkinson, and some of the Church’s volunteers. They spoke about the importance of the defibrillator over a cup of tea and delicious biscuits and how the Church is going from strength to strength since the pandemic.
CADEY was set up by Graham in 2018 to highlight the then “shocking lack of defibrillators” in East Yorkshire and has since installed twelve defibrillators in communities across the East Riding, and a box for the defibrillator at Beverley Rugby Club. They offer match funding for communities looking to fundraise for a life-saving defibrillator, alongside advice for its upkeep over the years.
Graham Stuart commented: “Hedon Methodist Church really is the best of East Yorkshire, and it’s because of groups at the church that CADEY was able to support its goal of installing a defibrillator.
“Ray is a legend in Hedon and the defibrillator which is now ready to use is a great legacy for a great man.”
Ray Longhorn said: “It was grand to see Graham again to mark the opening of our new defibrillator. Our parish community has worked so hard to make this happen and we are grateful to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts, especially the Women’s Institute, the Craft Group and CADEY.
“This is a vital resource in our town which could save someone’s life, which is why I am so pleased it is now installed ready to use if needed.”
