Cadishead Rhinos

In the heart of Cadishead, a remarkable act of generosity has brought the community together to ensure vital life-saving equipment remains accessible at Cadishead Rhinos Rugby League Club.

When the club’s old defibrillator cabinet succumbed to rust and wear, leaving it unfit for use, the community wasted no time rallying to replace it.

The call for help was answered by defibshop. It all started when Bill McLaughlin, a dedicated member of Irlam Rotary Club and part of the local Defibrillator network ‘Circuit Guardian,’ reached out to inquire about purchasing a replacement cabinet. Upon hearing of the club’s need, defibshop, led by Chloe, stepped up in a big way—donating a high-quality polycarbonate keypad defibrillator cabinet worth over £700 completely free of charge.

Bill McLaughlin, who also serves as the Community and Vocational Chair for Irlam Rotary Club, was overwhelmed by the generosity. “I am passionate about ensuring 24/7 access to life-saving defibrillators for our Irlam and Cadishead community. This donation from defibshop is truly incredible, and we are deeply grateful for their support.”

Irlam Rotary Club President, Tony Beckett, commended the collaborative effort, stating, “Rotary is about partnership and community support. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together for a great cause.”

Kerry Fairhurst, Head of Marketing at defibshop, echoed these sentiments. “As a local company, we are always looking for ways to give back. Defibrillators save lives, and ensuring they remain operational and accessible is crucial in increasing survival chances during emergencies.”

The new cabinet is a game-changer for Cadishead Rhinos. Paul Elliott, the club’s Secretary, highlighted the importance of this donation: “Our club has been at the heart of the community since 1993, and with our new clubhouse opening in 2018, we now have over 150 youth players and 50 adults regularly using our facilities.

As a newly accredited RFL Community Wellbeing Hub and the host of the Salford Red Devils Development Academy in 2025, having a 24/7 accessible defibrillator is absolutely essential. This new cabinet ensures our defibrillator is well protected for years to come.

This story is a perfect example of what can be achieved when local businesses and community members unite for a common goal. Cadishead Rhinos now has a secure and accessible defibrillator cabinet, ready to serve and potentially save lives for years to come.