Malvern Heartstart launches £6,000 Heartbeat Appeal to cover costs during Coronavirus crisis - The Malvern Observer

Malvern Heartstart launches £6,000 Heartbeat Appeal to cover costs during Coronavirus crisis

Malvern Editorial 18th May, 2020   0

AN AMBITIOUS fund-raising campaign has been launched to raise £6,000 for Heartstart Malvern which installs public access defibrillators and offers life-saving training.

As part of its Heartbeat Appeal supporters are urged to promote their challenge on social media with the hashtag #6KChallenge, to tag Heartstart Malvern and to nominate six friends for the same challenge, as well as donating £6 if they’re able to.

Activities can include walking, jogging, running or even lifting 6k in the comfort of their own home or through daily exercise sessions.

It is hoped the cash will keep the organisation – staffed entirely by volunteers – ticking over throughout the current pandemic.




There are currently 25 defibrillators located around the Malvern Hills area which are available for emergency community use and are maintained by Heartstart.

The charity has been hit hard since the lockdown began as charity walks and numerous other events had to be cancelled and donations have dried up altogether.


But, with monthly overheads averaging £500, Heartstart has calculated the outbreak’s impact will last a year, meaning it has to find £6,000.

Richard Vakis-Lowe, Heartstart Malvern chairman said: “At a time when it is known that people have been reluctant to seek medical help we are concerned that the vital early signs of cardiac arrest may be missed.

“At Heartstart Malvern we are keen to reassure people that we continue to maintain our public access defibrillators throughout the health crisis and encourage everyone to know where their nearest cabinet is located.”

By supporting the Heartbeat Appeal and 6K Challenge the community was helping the charity save lives during these challenging times, added Mr Vakis-Lowe.

Heartstart Malvern treasurer Melanie Baker will be walking 6K every day for 6 days.

Visit justgiving.com/campaign/HeartstartMalvern6KChallenge for more on the appeal or to donate.

Participants can also set up their own individual fund-raising pages at justgiving.com/heartstart-malvern .

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