Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The generosity of a local businessman could save lives on South Tyneside.

A defibrillator - a piece of life-saving equipment which can save a life if someone goes into cardiac arrest - has now been installed at One Trinity Green, Â鶹ÊÓƵ's professional, managed workspace for new and growing companies.  

The piece of kit was bought by South Shields businessman Tony Booth, owner of CTBO Ltd and partner in Shark Digital Displays. Tony is a regular participant in a monthly business quiz organised by Chris Donavan from South Shields-based One More Than Two brewery. Chris originally intended to hold an auction to raise the funds for a defibrillator but Tony offered to buy it as a thank-you for organising the quiz nights.

Tony said: "The monthly business quiz nights organised by Chris allow organisations of all sizes to meet and network in a relaxed environment. The focus is very much on collaboration and how we can help one another. Buying the defibrillator was my way of saying thank-you to Chris for these fantastic events as well as a way of giving something back to our community. "

Chris said: "As a small, local business, we are always looking for ways to give back to the community.

"We signed the South Tyneside Pledge last year and are committed to doing all we can to support South Tyneside in whatever way we can."

Because of One Trinity Green's visibility and accessibility it was decided that the Council-owned space would be the ideal location for the defibrillator.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "Each year around 30,000 people are struck by a sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. This can occur anywhere which is why it is so important to have defibrillators in public places. Together with a knowledge of CPR, this piece of kit could literally save lives in the Borough.

"I'm grateful to Tony and Chris for demonstrating a fantastic sense of community spirit and seeking to support South Tyneside through their business activities."

Chris is still planning to go ahead with the charity auction and is also selling raffle tickets but the money will now go the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust.