A RAIL firm has donated a lifesaving defibrillator to a local primary school in Hampshire.

South Western Railway, which runs trains throughout the county, presented the machine to Berrywood Primary School at Hedge End station, near Southampton.

The donation comes as SWR continues the rollout of new publicly accessible defibrillators at all of its 154 staffed stations, for use day or night by colleagues, customers, and local communities, across one of the country’s largest railway networks.

As part of this rollout, the original defibrillator at Hedge End station has been replaced with a newer machine that can be remotely monitored to ensure it is always maintained and ready to use.

This has allowed SWR to provide the original defibrillator to the school free of charge, spreading the benefits of the rollout even further, and helping to keep members of the local community safe in the event of emergencies.

Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway, said: “Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome and other heart conditions can impact us all. I’m so pleased that we are making good progress on installing defibrillators at our staffed stations, and we have also been able to donate this machine to a local school, showing our commitment to the communities we serve.”

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Attending the presentation, at Hedge End station, which is a short walk from the station, were representatives from SWR, Works Delivery Manager, Stephen Clarke and Regional Development Manager, Phil Dominey.

Bradley Scott, representing Integral UK Ltd, the contractor working with SWR to deliver the defibrillator rollout, handed the defibrillator to the Community Opportunity Coordinator of the school, Lisa Ainsworth.

Chris Reilly, Headteacher of Berrywood Primary school, commented: “Our huge thanks go to SWR for donating to Berrywood a defibrillator machine. This fantastic lifesaving equipment will now be installed at school, and although we hope never to put it to use, it is reassuring to know it will be there in the vent of an emergency.

“This is a fantastic example of community organisations working in partnership. Once again, thank you to all concerned for making it happen.”

Paul Holmes, Member or Parliament for Eastleigh, added: “I’m delighted to see SWR donate a defibrillator to Berrywood Primary School in Hedge End, and to see their rollout of defibrillators at all their staffed stations continue at pace.

“These machines will be a valuable asset for local communities and could very well prove to be lifesaving, and I thank SWR for this investment.”