The tiny hamlet of Winestead has become the proud home of the latest public access defibrillator, officially opened by Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart and supported by his CADEY (Community Access Defibrillators for East Yorkshire) project.
The defibrillator, installed thanks to fund-raising by the Winestead Community Group, marks the fourteenth CADEY defibrillator provided by the CADEY campaign (plus one sent to Ukraine).
CADEY was set up by Graham to tackle the lack of lifesaving equipment in rural areas. Working closely with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, CADEY mapped every community in the constituency, identified the gaps, and then teamed up with local groups to raise funds and install the devices.
Funds were raised through raffles, bake sales, individual donations and so much more besides, making each defibrillator an object for each community to be proud of and have ownership of.
Over the past five years, CADEY has supported communities to install defibrillators in:
- Winestead
- Hedon Methodist Church
- Molescroft
- Elstronwick
- Skeffling
- Walkington (supporting the local village campaign)
- Patrington
- Keyingham
- Burstwick
- Preston
- Burton Pidsea
- Thorngumbald
- Easington
- Hollym
- Plus, one machine was donated to Ukraine.
Defibrillators are simple to use and can more than double someone’s chance of survival after a sudden cardiac arrest. With every minute counting, having quick access to one nearby can mean the difference between life and death.
Across the constituency there are now 64 registered defibrillators, each one ready to be used in an emergency. CADEY volunteer Jordan Moor was even honoured with a Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award for his contribution to the campaign.
The CADEY campaign has played a vital part in a national effort to increase the number of defibrillators available, with more than 100,000 devices now registered across the UK.
For more information about CADEY and to find your nearest defibrillator, visit: www.grahamstuart.com/CADEY
Graham Stuart MP said:
“This is a fantastic moment for our area. Thanks to the hard work of local people, like the Winestead Community Group, and the dedication of the CADEY committee, there are now defibrillators all around Beverley and Holderness.
“Those life-saving yellow boxes can be seen everywhere, on holiday park walls, on restaurants, on village halls and on private homes.
“I’m hugely proud that we are the first constituency in the country to reach full coverage, and grateful to everyone who played their part.”
The Winestead Community Group Committee said, “Winestead as a village is so proud to now have a defib that is close and accessible in an area that is rarely included in political and financial agendas.
“We are so grateful to CADEY and Graham, for providing half of the funding towards its installation. The other half of the funding would not have been possible without the Winestead Community Group members, HEY Smile Foundation, Withernsea Lions, Patrington Parish Council, Patrington Mini Medics, Team PJD and community members for fundraising and donations.
“This is what Winestead is all about: our small village coming together to make life better and safer for everyone.”
Phil Shilito, Chief Fire Officer for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and CADEY Committee Member said:
“At HFRS we have been an active supporter of the CADEY initiative over the years. The installation of defibrillators across the East Riding has not only strengthened community resilience but has also saved lives and will continue to do so.
“As a fire service, we’re proud to have worked with CADEY and champion access to defibs and support public awareness through events like Restart a Heart Day with Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
“The access to defibrillators is key and the legacy of CADEY will continue to save lives of those in our communities.”
Dr Andrew Milner, Help for Health Chairman and CADEY Committee Member said, "Help for Health Trustees have been delighted to provide funding towards the CADEY project of ensuring people living in Beverley and Holderness have 24/7 access to a local defibrillator.
“Seconds and minutes make all the difference in an individual's survival following a cardiac arrest. In an area as rural as the East Riding immediate access is so important."
