Notts County Foundation announce installation of defibrillator at the Portland Centre

Notts County Foundation is delighted to announce the successful installation of a potentially lifesaving defibrillator at the Portland Centre in the Meadows.

Generously donated by local community interest company (CIC) DOrunning and installed at no charge by Nottingham City Homes, the 3,000-volt defibrillator is located just outside the main entrance to the Portland Centre.

Sam Crawford, Head of Business Development at Notts County Foundation, said: “We can’t thank DOrunning and Nottingham City Homes enough for their kindness, support, and help in securing the installation of this defibrillator in the heart of the Meadows. Cardiovascular complications can impact anyone at any time, and so we hope that this new vital piece of equipment, if ever needed, could potentially save someone’s life.”

Founded in 2019, DOrunning aim to encourage more people to take up running in the hope of improving mental wellbeing and promoting inclusivity. With a strong focus on demonstrating the positive health benefits of regular exercise, DOrunning offer weekly running groups for individuals of all abilities, aptitudes, and experience.

Des Oldham, Founder of DOrunning, said: “After a fantastic fundraising effort, I am very proud that DOrunning can provide two permanent and fully accessible defibrillators to our community. Our aim was to have one each side of the River Trent, in an area with high levels of physical activity and footfall. Not only does an installation at the Portland Centre help this, but also provides lifesaving equipment to local residents.”

The installation at the Portland Centre follows the permanent fitting of a defibrillator at The Boot Room – outside of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground stadium, which was also donated by DOrunning in 2021.

Luke Court, Facilities Coordinator at the Portland Centre, said: “We are delighted to see the installation of this defibrillator at the Portland Centre. Although I sincerely hope that it never needs to be used, I hope that it fills members of the local community with confidence knowing that there is now immediate help on-hand and available should it be required.”

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