Creamery fundraising drive delivers eight community defibrillators

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) has helped fund the installation of community defibrillators across north, mid and west Wales after a fundraising campaign raised £8,764.

The Welsh-owned dairy co-operative, which works with member farms across the region, generated the total through a JustGiving walking challenge alongside its annual Christmas raffle.

The combined effort funded seven defibrillators, with support from Achub Bywyd Cymru (Save a Life Cymru) enabling the installation of an eighth.

The life-saving devices will be installed in Llanbrynmair, Penmorfa, Llanbedrog, Beddgelert, Cerrigydrudion, Llandwrog and Penmachno.

Locations were nominated by local residents to ensure the equipment is placed where it is most needed.

Alan Wyn Jones, SCC’s Managing Director, said: “This has been a real community effort and we’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved together.

“All defibs will be installed in locations nominated by local residents, ensuring they are placed where they are most needed within the community.

“Every defib installed has the potential to save a life and we’re grateful to everyone who donated, took part in the walk, bought raffle tickets or helped nominate locations.”

The initiative forms part of the co-operative’s wider commitment to supporting community wellbeing. Following installation and registration of the defibrillators, SCC plans to work with Achub Bywyd Cymru to deliver awareness sessions aimed at helping local residents respond confidently in emergency situations.

The project has also been shortlisted for a Local Community Award at the Wales Food and Drink Awards, with the ceremony set to take place on 16 April in Swansea.

Mr Jones continued: “To be shortlisted is a real honour and reflects the Creamery’s commitment to supporting the communities we serve. We’re delighted that this initiative has received wider recognition.”

Tomos Hughes, Save a Life Cymru’s Community Coordinator for North Wales, added: “Early access to a defibrillator can save lives, which is why this initiative is so important to rural communities.

“If someone collapses and is not breathing normally, a bystander should call 999 immediately. The call handler will provide CPR instructions and direct another person to the nearest registered defibrillator.

“By supporting South Caernarfon Creameries and local communities to increase access to these vital, life-saving devices, more people can be helped in an emergency.”