The Oddfellows have recently set up two new defibrillators in two hubs in the Ross-on-Wye community, as part of an on-going project to get this life-saving equipment available in more places around the area.

The defibs have been set up at Ross Sports Club and the Larruperz Centre. These pieces of equipment cost £1000 each, but there is an additional cost for cases and accessories.

The Oddfellows supplied the defib at the Sports Centre, and paid for the cabinet and installation costs at the Larruperz Centre. A Ross Town Councillor, Craig Morgan, organised this through the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The defibrillator at the Sports Club sits inside the main building. Brian Nixon, a director of the Community Interest Company (CIC) at the Sports Centre explained that they couldn’t set up the life-saving equipment outside because there have been many incidents of criminal damage and burglary at the Centre in recent months.

But he added that members of the Cricket Club and Football Club had previously been on first aid courses, and realised how vital it was to have a defib installed there.

Alex Walker, Development Officer at the Oddfellows, told the Gazette that the group have so far spent approximately £10,000 on installing defibs in Ross and the surrounding area.

He added that the NHS is becoming more and more stretched and ambulance waiting times are increasing, so someone needs to fill the gap. He said that having access to a defibrillator means that a patient has a much better chance of survival.

The local branch of the Oddfellows is the North Gloucestershire District. Alex told the Gazette?“Established in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK, with over 310,000 members across 132 Branches nationwide.

“We’re a non-profit mutual run by our members for our members, and we do our best to improve the quality of people’s lives through friendship, care and charity.”

The Oddfellows are hoping to get more local people involved with their friendly society. Alex said:?“It costs £30 a year (£28 by direct debit) to join us as a member and become part of our friendly society.”

The North Gloucestershire District of The Oddfellows is looking to roll out more defibrillators and cabinets in the future. They would welcome enquiries from other organisations who would like information on how to help local communities in this way.

Email [email protected] or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk if you are interested in joining the Oddfellows, of if you want more information about the group.