Local Responders save a man's life at Newtowncunningham fundraiser

The First Responders in Newtowncunningham were credited with saving the life of a man who got into difficulty at a charity event.

A fundraising drive is currently underway for those who saw their homes damaged in Storm Isha last month, with a cycling run, DQ fitness programme, tractor run and football tournament taking place over the weekend.

However, when one of the cyclists became unwell on Sunday, it was the quick-thinking First Responders who were on hand to diffuse a potentially fatal situation. Local councillor Paul Canning, below, hailed those who assisted and encouraged others to familiarise themselves with the workings of a defibrillator.

“The success story coming out of Newtown yesterday was how the First Responders reacted to an incident to help save the life of one of our participants,” said. “Our prayers are with him and his family, Hopefully, he makes a full recovery.  

“I would like to put out an appeal to anyone interested in joining the First Responders to get in touch, even if it is just to learn how to use a defibrillator.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Manorcunningham Community for the use of their defibrillator.”

Canning went on to pay tribute to those of the locality who supported the fundraising drive. He said: “All of these events showed what the word ‘community’ means to the people of Newtowncunningham and the surrounding areas. I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way and to everyone who supported our events. We have a number of events still to come, we will keep you all posted as we go. Thank you.”