A gruelling climb up the UK’s highest mountain by Northumbrian Water volunteers has helped provide life-saving equipment for a North East bereavement therapy service.
Eleven water workers took on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis in July, raising more than £1,240 for the Stephen Carey Fund, a charity that provides defibrillators, first aid equipment and emergency training to local communities.
Their efforts have now helped buy a defibrillator for Elemental Occupational Therapy, which provides outdoor bereavement support for children and adults.
The device will be carried by occupational therapist Cath Darling, whose work often takes place in nature-based settings, where access to emergency medical equipment can be limited.
She said: "My work often takes me into forests, riversides and remote trails - beautiful places that offer peace and healing, but they're often far from immediate medical support.
"I had been looking at ways to purchase a defibrillator, as sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, and having a defibrillator on hand can increase survival rates dramatically.
“The donation from the Stephen Carey Fund came as a real surprise and has been incredibly gratefully received. It will now travel with me to every session, workshop and group activity, giving my clients reassurance that their wellbeing is always my priority."
The idea for the challenge came from Northumbrian Water’s Scott McEwan, who volunteers with the Stephen Carey Fund and wanted to support the charity through the water company’s Just an Hour volunteering scheme.
He said: "We set ourselves the target of raising enough money for the Stephen Carey Fund to purchase a defibrillator for a community or good cause. We needed a challenge big enough to help achieve that goal and when Ben Nevis was suggested, everyone jumped at the opportunity.
"The hike was enjoyable but definitely challenging, especially towards the summit as the weather changed and tired legs started to kick in. It was a fantastic experience and we're hugely grateful to everyone who supported us.
"To see the money turned into something that could genuinely help save a life is really special. We're proud to be able to support the amazing work Cath carries out helping children and adults through bereavement."
Some members of the fundraising team recently met Cath to hand over the defibrillator and hear how their efforts could make a real difference to people accessing bereavement support across the North East.