Marsden Defibrillator Association

A new public-access defibrillator has been installed in Marsden thanks to a powerful community effort between local volunteers, defibshop, and the support of Paul Davies MP. The donation event sent a powerful message,that through collaboration between commercial partners, community volunteers, and elected representatives, life-saving equipment can become more accessible and visible across towns and villages.

Why This Matters

The heart of this story dates back to August 2023, when Marsden resident Steve Shaw suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while cycling. Thanks to his quick-thinking friends, two off-duty paramedics passing by, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust response team, Steve survived what medics described as a “touch and go” situation.

Inspired by his experience, Steve and local volunteers launched a major fundraising campaign through the Marsden Defib Team, raising around £11,500 to install six additional public defibrillators across the community. Their mission: to make lifesaving equipment accessible to everyone, everywhere.

The Donation Event

This month, defibshop donated a defibrillator to the Marsden Defib Team, further strengthening the village’s emergency readiness. The device was formally presented by Josh Ellingworth of defibshop at a local event attended by Paul Davies MP, who praised the volunteers’ efforts and highlighted the vital role of community action in public health. The gathering celebrated teamwork, awareness, and community resilience.

The event welcomed Paul Davies MP, who attended alongside his team to show support, meet local volunteers, and highlight the critical importance of accessible defibrillators. His presence reinforced the strong partnership between business, civic leadership, and grassroots volunteers working together to protect public health.

The Impact for Marsden

The installation of the new defibrillator brings several important benefits to the Marsden community:

Faster emergency response: Local residents now have quicker access to a public Automated External Defibrillator (AED), improving survival chances during sudden cardiac arrest.
Empowering local responders: Marsden Defib Team volunteers can now deploy another vital tool as part of their community response network.
Increased awareness: The visibility of the device and the event itself have helped raise awareness about CPR, AEDs, and the importance of community readiness in life-threatening situations.

A Word from the Volunteers

Members of the Marsden Defib Team expressed heartfelt gratitude to defibshop and Paul Davies MP for their ongoing support.

“This defibrillator will live in the community, for the community,” one volunteer shared. “Training everyone,no matter their age,will save lives.”

Looking Ahead

The Marsden Defib Team plans to continue fundraising and expanding access to life-saving equipment throughout the area. While this donation represents a major milestone, their mission is ongoing.

For defibshop, this initiative reinforces the role that businesses can play in supporting public health through philanthropy and awareness. With community leaders and MPs engaged, the effort could also inspire broader legislative and municipal support for the placement of public-access defibrillators nationwide.

A Community Success Story

The donation of a defibrillator by defibshop to the Marsden Defib Team, witnessed by Paul Davies MP, represents a win for Marsden,and for community collaboration as a whole. It stands as a living tribute to Steve Shaw’s survival story and his mission to ensure others have the same chance when seconds matter most.