COMMUNITY spirit is high in Merley as local residents pull resources to raise money.

Following a cardiac arrest four years ago, Merley residents Sue Weall and husband Chris decided to fundraise for a community defibrillator.

In the last six months, working in partnership with The Community Heartbeat Trust who help install defibrillators across the UK, together with the fantastic help from local people, community groups and businesses, Sue and Chris have been able to raise enough funds to not only place a communal defibrillator outside The Lantern Church in Merley, but were on their way to obtaining another.

Local Nisa store manager, Michelle Woodison brought the project to the attention of her manager, Darren Whitcher and through their Making a Difference Locally charity they gave a surprise donation of £2,000 to fund a second unit.

Sue said: “We’ve lived in Merley for 32 years and it has been a good place for us as a family as our sons were growing up and at school. In retirement we are giving back to the community that we value so much, as health issues can affect anyone.”

Darren Whitcher from Nisa, said: "I remember reading a piece in the Daily Echo about a gentleman in Swanage who was saved by a public defibrillator and I knew then that we, as a company, had to offer as much support to the project as possible. After speaking with Sue Weall we found out that they had almost reached their target of £2,000. We immediately made the offer of 'would you like another one?' Of course Sue said 'yes' and we set the wheels in motion.

"Nisa are very proud to be able to provide the financial support. I hope the unit won’t be needed by anyone, however if we help save one person that is reward enough for us.”

February 22 marked the handover, from Darren Whitcher and Michelle Woodison of Nisa to Poole Housing Partnership (PHP) and the Merley Community Defibrillator Project, of a second defibrillator, which is located on the external wall of the Communal Lounge at Selkirk Close, one of PHP’s Sheltered Schemes.

Residents of Selkirk Close were joined by PHP Staff, Lyn Murrell and Karen Rees, local Councillors Jane Newell and David Brown, Project Coordinator Sue Weall and Roz Hanson from Shine Network to mark the occasion.

PHP said: “We are proud to be part of this important project which benefits the community in the case of an emergency and raises awareness of community support.”

For more information about the project go to www.facebook.com/MerleyDefibProject