Swadlincote: Conkers parkrun officials organise £900 fundraiser for second defibrillator after medical emergency

Conkers parkrun organisers are staging a fundraiser to buy a second defibrillator following the medical emergency during the event earlier this month.

A runner needed treatment and had to be taken to hospital as a result.

Runners and officials praised for their actions after parkrun emergency.

But the fact that a defibrillator was relatively close to the incident, meant that runners and volunteers were able to act quickly.

However, the parkrun organisers have since considered another scenario where it might not have been as close.

Which is why they want a second defibrillator on hand in case of similar emergencies.

A fundraiser has been set up and parkrun officials have given details on the event's Facebook page.

It reads: "I think everyone is aware of the medical emergency that we had at Conkers parkrun on Saturday 5th February, where we had to use our defibrillator to literally save the life of one of our parkrunners.

"We were fortunate in that our defibrillator was around 500 metres away at the finish area, and thanks to one of our quicker runners, we were able get it to where needed reasonably promptly.

"Our thoughts have now turned to thinking: 'What if there is a life-threatening situation at the furthest point of our parkrun?'.

"If the defibrillator was required between the canal and Woodland Junction, how quickly could we get it from the finish area to the site where needed?

"The answer is obviously to look to the generosity of our parkrunners with a fundraiser, for a facility in an area where we can reach any part of the course within five minutes.

"For us to buy a second portable defibrillator will cost around £900, not a large sum considering the number of parkrunners we have (1,246 different participants have run or walked at Conkers since January 1st).

"Please be aware we are not allowed to take cash donations or cheques; this is a parkrun rule. The preferred method to donate if you can afford to is via the website in the following way:

1. Go to our website HERE.

1. On the menu at the top, click on More…

1. On the dropdown click on 'about us'

1. Then click on 'Donate to parkrun' box.

"In the 'add special instructions' box please put that it is for our defibrillator so we can keep count.

"A small contribution from as many of our Conkers parkrun community could be a lifesaver for someone."