THE Mayor, Dylan Butt, hosted a ‘‘thank you’ event at Trafford Town Hall.

The get together on March 20 was held to acknowledge the schools and charity partners who are striving tirelessly in support of the Mayor’s Charity defibrillator campaign.

Since its launch in May 2013, more than 30 defibrillators have been installed across Trafford, with many more on the way.

Cllr Butt is delighted with the commitment shown by everyone involved to ensure more defibrillators are available in the event of an emergency.

“Time is of the essence when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Speedy initial treatment can be the difference between life and death. Everyone agrees that having more of these simple to use life-savers publicly available will increase the chances of someone surviving a cardiac arrest.

“The Defibrillator campaign’s success so far has been thanks to the dedication and determination of many people, from the campaign committee, the council, schools and our sponsors whose funding is enabling us to place defibrillators in schools, public places, community buildings and commercial areas.

“All too often this support goes unrecognised, so it’s important to take time to thank people. It is heart-warming to see this commitment continuing and although there is still some way to go to cover all areas, with people continuing to donate and this determination, I know we can still do more to protect people living, working and visiting Trafford.”

Those who attended the ‘thank you’ event included Hand on Heart, one of the charity’s principal partners and main defibrillator supplier. The charity is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac deaths in children across the UK and has launched a campaign to make schools Heart Safe and train teachers and pupils in AED use and first aid.

Hand on Heart has donated defibrillators and training to Trafford schools, including each secondary school which hadn’t already got one. its financial contribution exceeds £14,500.

North West Ambulance Service is another principal partner. Its staff have been supplying vital training and valuable data to ensure defibrillators are placed in the most valuable locations. They are also installing new defibrillators in key localities including Partington and Urmston.

Schools, including Sale High, Bowdon Preparatory School, Park Road Primary School, Wellington School and Lostock College have been involved throughout the year so far by fundraising, purchasing defibrillators or accepting a donated defibrillator.

Their support is helping spread community awareness and campaign support. Defibrillators have been contributing to saving lives in Trafford since the beginning of this campaign.

Anyone who wants to get involved with The Mayor of Trafford’s defibrillator campaign by making a donation has until June 10 to do so. They can send cash or cheques, made payable to: ‘Mayor of Trafford’s Charity Fund’, Mayor’s Office, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Rd, Stretford, M32 0TH.