Thousands of pounds raised by Co-op store staff and customers in Torpoint have been donated to help fund defibrillators in the town – while the Co-op itself has financed a defibrillator inside the store itself

Co-op Torpoint team leader Adam Knott said: “It was with great pleasure that this month we at the Co-op Food store in Torpoint were able to hand over a cheque for £2,096.17 to the Torpoint Defibrillator Fund. This money has been raised by our fantastic colleagues, customers and members through raffles, bake sales, book sales and Christmas stalls.

“The money was originally raised for a new defib to be fitted to the exterior of the Co-op store. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances this was not possible.

“As a result, the Co-op have themselves paid for the defib, which now sits inside the store near the door. The Co-op has also taken responsibility for its maintenance and upkeep.

“This means that the full amount raised by our great community has now been given to pay for the town’s next public access defibrillator.”

Adam added: “Public access defibrillators save lives. Please remember that although the defibrillator is inside the store, it is still for public use. So if you need it, please use it.

“On behalf on the Co-op Food Torpoint, I wanted to personally thank everybody who has supported us throughout our fundraising efforts.”

A spokesperson for the Torpoint Defibrillator Fund team added: “Members of the Torpoint Town Partnership Defib project attended Torpoint Co-op and were presented with a cheque for just over £2,000. The defib team have already fundraised enough to provide an AED for the Goad Avenue Estate and are now raising money to locate another AED in the Trevorder Road area.

“This generous donation means we now have enough to purchase this second AED and a portable defibrillator for use at community events.”