STAFF at the Hair & Beauty Boutique in Keynsham High Street are going the extra mile to raise money for a 24-hour publicly accessible defibrillator.
They have been inspired by the survival story of a 13-year-old Hugo, of Keynsham, who suffered a cardiac arrest without warning while playing football.
Organisers say: “Like so many young people, he was fit, healthy, and full of life. No one imagined something like this could happen.
“Thanks to the incredible courage of his mum, members of the public who immediately started CPR, and, most importantly, the availability of a nearby defibrillator, his life was saved.
“After spending time in hospital and undergoing surgery to have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted, he is now recovering well.
“Although life has changed for him and his family, they continue to face each day with strength, courage, and hope. Their experience has shown us just how vital it is to have life-saving equipment available when every second counts.
“Our goal is to raise enough money to install a defibrillator that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving everyone in our community the best possible chance of survival should the unthinkable happen.”
Staff at the boutique are embarking on a number of fundraising events over the coming months, including a charity football match, and they are grateful to all those who have donated prizes for a forthcoming raffle.
But first, a sponsored walk between Bristol and Bath will be tackled by a team of 12, including salon staff and Hugo’s mum and grandmother, on Sunday September 6.
Organisers say: “14 miles might not sound that far to some of you, but for us girls, who sometimes struggle with the daily walk to work, 14 miles is huge!
“It’s going to be tough, emotional and probably involve a fair few sore feet, but we’re determined to do it for Hugo and raise as much as we possibly can.”
To donate, visit the salon’s JustGiving page. The location of the defibrillator has yet to be decided.
Pictured, above, four of the staff members from the Hair & Beauty Boutique who will tackle the sponsored walk
Below, Hugo, who survived a sudden cardiac arrest
