Member Article

Chemical company pumps out community defibrillators

Several districts across West and North Yorkshire are set to benefit from life-saving public defibrillators, thanks to a local chemical manufacturer.

Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical has donated £1,400 for a defibrillator to be installed outside of the Kildwick/Farnhill Institute in Farnhill, with plans to roll out the scheme in other surrounding districts.

More than 3,700 deaths across Yorkshire and the Humber are prematurely caused by cardiovascular diseases; a statistic which cemented Airedale Chemical’s plans to support the health and safety of its local communities.

Daniel Fox, operations director of the family-owned firm, which is celebrating 25 years at its Cross Hills site this year, said: “We were approached by the Farnhill Parish Council about contributing towards the defibrillator but it’s such a worthy cause we were more than happy to pay for the full purchase costs.

“With changes to our lifestyle, heart disease is unfortunately on the rise. Having quick and easy access to public defibrillators can mean the difference between life and death.”

The Farnhill defibrillator was installed in April and marks the first of several planned donations of the life-saving equipment from Airedale Chemical. North Yorkshire County Council has provided a grant to cover the cost of installation of the defibrillator and the parish council is holding a training and awareness evening on the 16th May at 7.30pm in Kildwick/Farnhill Institute.

Gemma Harling Chairman of Farnhill Parish Council, said: “Public health is high on the agenda for the parish council and we were incredibly appreciative of Airedale Chemical’s donation of the full cost of the defibrillator. Of course, the hope is that it’s not often used, but it gives our community peace of mind to know this facilitiy is close at hand. We’re delighted to hear the team will be carrying this out in other surrounding villages too.”

To find out more about Airedale Chemical’s charitable arm, the Airedale Foundation, visit https://www.airedalechemical.com/about/csr.

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