Restart a Heart is an annual initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by helping more people learn CPR.

The Resuscitation Council UK along with the British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, NHS England, Save a Life for Scotland, Save a Life Cymru, and Northern Ireland Ambulance work together to help raise awareness of cardiac arrest and teach CPR.

Not-for-profit social enterprise Abbeycroft, who manages Kingfisher Leisure Centre on behalf of Babergh District Council, today marked the event in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) by encouraging customers to try CPR, learn how to do it and use a Defibrillator. 

Andy Read Sporting Memories Ambassador at Abbeycroft is living proof of why it’s so important for staff and members of the public to learn these skills. Andy said:

"I suffered a Cardiac Arrest in 2018 and was lucky enough to have someone who quickly shocked my heart using a defibrillator, so I know just how important these bits of kit are.”

“Working with our partners today from the RLSS UK has been so important and useful and we’ve had no shortage of people wanting to get involved and learn more. Not many things make the difference between life and death, but a defibrillator can”.

Tracey Loynds, Operational Director at Abbeyctoft said:

“This event has been so well received by our customers and lots of stories have been shared”.

"More than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen every year in the UK. Sadly, less than one in ten people survive. Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival, which is why it is so crucial to learn”.

Nick Clayton, Head of Qualification Development at RLSS UK, said:

“Basic first aid and CPR is at the forefront of our awards and qualifications, and it is incredibly important to share this knowledge not only in the training room but in the local community, too. The Restart a Heart Day and events like the one at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre today are critical for ensuring as many people as possible know lifesaving skills and can act in an emergency to save lives ultimately." 

The Mayor of Sudbury, Cllr Alison Owen attended the event and said:

“It's so important to have these events to publicise the importance of healthy living and how to look after your heart, making small changes can make a big difference in heart health”.

---

Find your nearest Defibrillator

To find out more about Restart a Heart