Community rallies around replacement defibrillator fundraiser after theft

Article date: 18 December 2023

The public access defibrillator was installed in Taylor Park last month following a community fundraiser in memory of local resident Carl Foster.

The 46-year-old from West Park tragically died in April after suffering a cardiac arrest.

But on the morning of Saturday 16 December, just weeks after its installation, Rangers and residents arrived in the park to discover the unit had been broken into and stolen overnight.

Gary Ward, who was present when his close friend suffered the cardiac arrest organised the Just Giving fundraiser for the lifesaving device following his tragic passing.

On his new fundraising page, Gary said: "The defibrillator had only recently been installed in memory of Carl Foster and Carl's family and friends who had fund-raised for this are obviously really upset.

"Having lost Carl following a cardiac arrest in April, the installation of a defibrillator at Taylor Park was seen as not only a lasting tribute to Carl but also an important facility for the West Park community. The hope was that tragedy could be prevented through access to this life-saving device.

"We are now fund-raising again to replace the defibrillator and the public access box it was stored in that was also damaged. We will work with the local council once more to install the replacement."

Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Climate Change, said: 

"We were dismayed to learn of the damage and theft of the Taylor Park defibrillator. Whether the idiots who did this knew of the unit's origin or not, this criminal damage is utterly disgusting. 

"To deprive the community of such vital and potentially lifesaving equipment - the result of community donations in memory of a kind and spirited man - is beyond the pale. It defies all logic and any sense of basic human decency and empathy. 

"Knowing that this despicable act must have caused so much hurt, I've been truly humbled by the way that Carl's family and friends have responded so quickly and positively despite their anger and grief. 

"And it is no surprise that the community has rallied around them, with the new fundraiser well on its way to replace the stolen defibrillator having raised £1,250 in just a couple of days. 

"I would implore anyone that might have information about this crime to report it to Merseyside Police on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting crime reference 23001278390." 

If you would like to donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fozsdefib2