A GROUP is fundraising to install a defibrillator in a Monmouthshire village.

The Village Life Project is a community initiative that began in Maypole and St Maughans. The project aims to help save lives by installing defibrillators across Llangattock Vibon Avel district and training people in basic first aid. 

The group is currently raising funds locally and through grant applications and hopes to see the life saving devices installed in Skenfrith, Maypole and Cross Ash. The Rolls of Monmouth golf course in Hendre already has one being installed, which is generously being made available for the local community to use. 

Recently local residents met at Cross Ash Primary School with the head teacher, one of the school governors and the project secretary to discuss the project. 

Laura Perrett, headteacher, said: “We are really keen to support this project and as the school is a central part of the community it would be a great place for a defibrillator. It will also help us to teach the children more about first aid.”

Catherine Fookes Labour AM candidate said: “This is a fantastic project and I’d like to see all schools in the constituency with a life-saving defibrillator. The project can also help combat loneliness and get people together in their communities. I am delighted to be involved in this project.”

Tom Pitts-Tucker, who is a retired GP and the project secretary, commented: “We are really pleased Cross Ash also wants to join in. The aspiration is for a local group to form in each area and go on to develop a volunteer-run ‘help in a crisis’ support scheme, complementing the emergency services and boosting community resilience and well-being.”

For more information, or to get involved, contact the project via Tom’s email at: [email protected] , look up ‘Village Life Community Project’ on Facebook, or visit the community council website at http://llangattockvacc.org/news-and-events/