23-04-2025
Defibrillator saved man's life within six months of being installed
A defibrillator donated to a Shipley Islamic centre saved the life of a person living nearby, within just six months of its installation.
The Shipley Islamic Education Centre, located on Aireville Road, received the device as part of a British Heart Foundation (BHF) scheme funded through money raised by Royal Mail staff.
The centre's secretary general, Ashraf Miah, said: "We told all the users of the centre to communicate to their families and neighbours that we had a defibrillator and that it was here unlocked and ready to be used.
"Just six months later it was used successfully on a man from the South Asian community who had a cardiac arrest at home."
The man, in his 60s, was saved when someone ran to the centre, retrieved the defibrillator, and used it on him before the ambulance arrived.
Mr Miah said: "The family came back to the centre to say thank you.
"You must suppose that if we had not been given the defibrillator then this man could very likely have died.
"We are so grateful to Royal Mail and the British Heart Foundation for giving us this.
"We are very aware that people from our community have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease which can lead to cardiac arrests, so we feel better protected knowing this defibrillator is close to hand.
"The centre is used for so many things, from prayer and study of the Quran to women's groups, exercise classes, and children's groups.
"We are busy all the time, with so many people coming and going.
"It is great that all of our neighbours know that this defibrillator is for them too, and I would urge them to come and get it if they are ever near somebody who is receiving CPR."
Royal Mail staff have so far raised more than £1 million for the scheme, through a variety of fundraising activities including running, cycling, trekking, and baking.
Greg Sage, director of corporate affairs and ESG at Royal Mail, said: "Raising £1 million in just two years is an extraordinary achievement."
The partnership between Royal Mail and BHF has seen the installation of hundreds of defibrillators, CPR training for thousands of young people, and improved access to cardiac nurses and heart health information in various formats.
Additionally, Royal Mail has introduced initiatives like applying a BHF postmark on mail, offering CPR training to staff, and supporting heart health with healthier meals and blood pressure monitors.
