My name is Lydia. I live in The Starkies. I work for the emergency services, where community safety is at the heart of everything I do. It is also something I care deeply about in my own neighbourhood, which is why I am reaching out to ask for your support.

I am fundraising to install a community defibrillator in The Starkies, available 24/7. In a cardiac emergency, every second matters. Early CPR and defibrillation can make a life-changing difference, and having a defibrillator close by could help save the life of a neighbour, a family member, or even a passer-by. At the moment, the nearest defibrillator is at Mulberry Bush Nursery on Dumers Lane, which is around a 10-minute return car journey or a 34-minute return walk away. In an emergency, that distance is simply too far.

The total amount needed is GBP 3,200, which will cover the defibrillator unit, a secure outdoor cabinet, and 10 years of insurance, including protection for theft, vandalism, battery replacement, and pads. Every contribution brings this goal closer and helps build a safer, more prepared community for everyone.

To help raise these funds, I will be taking on an ultra-marathon walking challenge from 17 to 19 October: 50 miles in under 72 hours, with my daughter joining me for every mile in her carrier. I will be sharing regular updates throughout the challenge via this page, including the distance covered, route, photos, and progress.

Please consider supporting this initiative and helping make a defibrillator available right here in The Starkies. It is something we hope never to need, but if the moment ever comes, having one nearby could make all the difference. Together, we can give our community greater reassurance, better protection, and a stronger chance of a positive outcome when it matters most.