A well-known campaigner has spent almost 10 years raising awareness around CPR and raising money to install Community Public Access Defibrillators in and around Little Lever and Darcy Lever.
Following the success of Claire Axon’s latest efforts to raise money for a defibrillator box, she has spoken of the importance of CPR and defibrillators, so that “another family doesn’t have to through what her family went through”.
Jasmine Jackson reports
Claire, from Darcy Lever, lost Neil Axon on Christmas morning in 2012, and this December will mark 10 years since the tragedy.
When Neil suddenly died, Claire wanted to start fundraising because it was "her way of coping" and in a way gave her “focus”.
It is not known if a defibrillator would have saved Neil’s life, but Claire says it is a situation where it may have helped.
She said: “It’s about hoping that another family doesn’t have to go through what my family went through, making a difference, and giving people that opportunity to learn about CPR and defibrillators.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Neil.
“I needed something positive to come out of such a tragedy.
“When we lost Neil, he was only 39 and that is no age to die.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you come from; it can happen to anybody.
“It’s very emotional.
“It’s always at the forefront of why I do it.
“I do it because I keep Neil at the very forefront of my mind because I want to and need to make a difference.”
She described Neil as a “character” and a “very kind” and “caring” person who would do anything for anybody.
Claire added: “This is a small thing being able to keep his memory alive.”
Claire has since raised money to provide defibrillators in and around Little Lever and Darcy Lever, as well as setting her charity Minutes Matter up.
Claire said: “It’s about making people aware of what is out there to support them.
“People need to know what to do.
“Not everyone can be saved but as long as you know you are giving the person a fighting chance then it is worth it.
“And then we can hopefully prevent this from happening to someone else.”
Claire explained that a lot of the time people are scared to use defibrillators over fear of not knowing what to do or that they might hurt someone.
But she says that people will actually be guided every step of the way with a defibrillator because it tells you what to do.
She added: “I want to give people the confidence to use one if they are ever in an emergency situation because it’s a very, very scary time.
“If you have the knowledge, it gives people more control over the situation.
“If you need a defibrillator the first thing you do is ring 999 and the emergency services will then guide you to the nearest one and they will give you a code, which then releases the defibrillator.
“Some people are worried about giving CPR and hurting someone.
“If you hurt some one or break their bones, at least you did what you had to.
“They aren’t going to come back unless you do something.”
She hopes that her charity will help raise as much money and awareness on the lifesaving equipment as possible.
Claire says that she wants to ensure that as many places as possible have defibrillators
Basic training is also offered by the charity, including putting someone in a recovery position and CPR.
One of the driving forces behind her inspiration has been down to the support of her friends and family, who she says she couldn’t have done any of the work she has done, without them.
Claire has most recently raised money for a defibrillator box, which has now been installed at The Volunteer pub.
The defibrillator is now up and running, and Claire is currently arranging training sessions which will take place at the pub.
She hopes to further expand this, and that there are plenty of places where she can hold future sessions.
She said: “It means so much to me and I have done it on and off for over nearly 10 years.
“I spend whatever time I have raising money for defibrillators and putting them in public spaces in Darcy Lever and Little Lever.
“I feel quite proud for what we have achieved in the community.
Claire says that she wouldn’t have been able to do it without the community, close friends, regular donator Keith Whittaker, and Carl Green from Rhino Electrical who installed the box.
For more information or to get involved with training email Claire at minutesmatter@hotmail.com.
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If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.
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