A GENEROUS donor has funded a life-saving defibrillator for Bransgore Primary School.

The donor, who does not wish to be named, gave the money to the Community First Responder group in Bransgore with a specific request that they provide the defibrillator for the school.

The donor, whose children had attended the school in the past, had seen the press stories of how a defibrillator saved the life of a schoolboy in Portsmouth and another man at a leisure facility in Eastleigh.

Bransgore Responder group co-ordinator Mike Jukes said: "When the donor approached us and offered to pay for the defibrillator we were very happy to help make it happen.

“We know a defibrillator, available promptly in cases of cardiac arrest, can help save a life. The current campaign to see defibrillators in schools is one we wholeheartedly support and promote locally.”

Headteacher Paul Brown said: "This is such a considerate and valuable gift.

“This equipment means that our school, and the village in general, is a safer place to be. Strangely, this is one resource that we hope doesn’t ever need to be used and will gather dust.

“On behalf of the whole school and governing body I should like to thank our donor for such a wonderful contribution to our school community. It could make a life-saving difference in the future.”

The defibrillator was handed over at a special assembly. Community Responders will help staff become familiar with the defibrillator and practice their CPR skills with some special training equipment they have been loaned.

Mr Jukes added: “We believe everyone from a young age should know the basic CPR skills that can help save a life.

“You never know when it may be needed, or who may need your help. Our colleagues in the local Heartstart group can provide the schools or anyone interested in learning with the free Heartstart training course.”

Anyone interested in the course should contact the British Heart Foundation for details of their nearest scheme on 0300 330 3311. Anyone interested in becoming a Community First Responder can call 0844 500 9699.