Heart Safe Cramlington: Appeal to install life-saving defibrillators on every estate

North East Hearts with Goals is a Cramlington-based charity dedicated to saving lives by improving access to public defibrillators.

The charity was founded over a decade ago by Christine Stephenson and Kelly Best in memory of Kelly’s husband and Christine’s brother, Neil Best who died suddenly at the age of 32.

Over the past 10 years, the team have funded and installed over 650 defibrillators across the North East with the equipment credited with helping to save dozens of lives.

At the beginning of this year, former Red British Cross worker Pauline Stephenson felt inspired to collaborate with the charity and town council to kickstart a Cramlington-specific initiative following the death of a close friend.

She said: “Last year, my oldest friend's husband collapsed on the floor so she sent her sons to get a defib which was located on the estate in Newcastle.

“Unfortunately he did pass away, but it got me thinking, ‘where are the defibs located around where we live?’, When I looked into it I found that there was only two or three that were 24-hour access.”

North East Hearts with Goals is now encouraging all Cramlington businesses to support the initiative by hosting fundraising activities such as a Wear It Red day, a coffee morning, or by taking one of the charity’s collection pots.

Each defibrillator costs around £1500 and the team are hoping to install around 20 in the town.

“Being able to give something back to the community is really important to me,” Pauline added. “Even if everybody was able to give just £1, we would reach out goal.”

Founder, Christine Stephenson said: “I was absolutely delighted when Pauline Stephenson and Cramlington Town Council approached us about working together.

“It’s exactly the kind of community-driven project we believe in, making sure lifesaving equipment is close by, accessible and there for people when they need it most. Projects like this really do save lives.”

The first defibrillator installation will be installed in memory of Cramlington man Danny Humble who was sadly killed in 2022. Danny’s mam, Deborah has donated the defibrillator which will be housed outside Pronto Pizza Cramlington with a plaque dedicated to him.