A community in West Swindon is fundraising to install a defibrillator after one of their neighbours suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.

Robert Barrat, 70, passed away at his home in Nevis Close on June 19 after a sudden cardiac arrest, despite the best efforts of neighbours and the ambulance service to perform CPR. 

This tragedy prompted the community to think more carefully about the provision of life-saving equipment, especially after they discovered their nearest defibrillator was 800 metres away inside a school, which locals can only gain access to during opening times.

Resuscitation Council UK and the British Heart Foundation recommend defibrillators should be placed within 200 metres of the area they serve and now those living around Nevis and Ashie Close are raising money to install a defibrillator closer to their homes, which will be available 24 hours a day.

Organiser Smudge Smith said: “Patricia and Robert were married for an awfully long time and she’s still quite traumatised. She ran round the corner to their friend Sean, who performed CPR, and I think he is still traumatised as anyone would be.

“We’re all pretty much retired around here so the issue with the defibrillator being 800 metres away is that, at 71, I couldn’t get there and back quickly enough if we need to use it.

“We all made a round robin group to keep in touch during lockdown and we sent an email round asking the community about the defibrillator. They are brilliant and 13 houses said they’re in. 

“One of the residents has agreed the cabinet can be mounted on their wall adjacent to the public footpath and they are also happy to supply the electricity to heat and light it.”

But the residents have faced multiple setbacks and delays so far, as they were told they would need to be established as a constituted group to qualify for a grant from West Swindon Parish Council and have set a target of £1,335 to pursue their project, while they continue to work with the deputy clerk. 

Smudge added: “We need a maintenance fund going forward to keep the defibrillator going. I’m happy to do the weekly checks and we are responsible as a group to replace it if it does break down. But we will have to pay for things like the batteries and pads. 

"I’m certain we will get where we want and we’re hoping something good can come out of the tragedy."