YOUNG people and staff from a residential children’s home are putting the wheels in motion to raise funds to buy their local community a defibrillator.
Fairlands, a children’s home which is part of Keys Group, wanted to give something back to the local community and thank neighbours for their support.
To raise the £1500 needed to buy this important local resource they have chosen to undertake a 120-mile sponsored bike ride through the New Forest at the end of May.
The young people who live at Fairlands will also raise money at their upcoming Culture Day, where they will be joined by join people and staff from other nearby Keys residential children’s homes for a day of fun and educational activities.
Manager at the home, Alex Emery, said: “The idea to raise money for a local defibrillator came from our Deputy Manager and the care team. They had attended some first aid training and it was clear just how important the equipment can be in an emergency.
“Our nearest defibrillator is just a little too far away and we’re a bit from the hospital too. Many of our neighbours are older and may, in time, need to access a resource like this quickly.
“Over the years they’ve been incredibly supportive and we wanted to give something back to help them and that’s why we chose to fundraise for the £1,500 we need to have this piece of equipment readily available in the area.”
Children and staff at the home have been busy preparing for their bike ride and are looking forward to their challenge.
Alex added: “Our upcoming Culture Day will be a great opportunity to raise some more funds. There’s a compulsory donation to attend and we’re looking forward to a day of sharing food, dress, dance and music of many different cultures in lots of fun ways.”
The home has set up a Go Fund Me Page and donations can be made here
