Sunderland care home raises thousands of pounds to install defibrillator on Roker sea front
A care home in Sunderland has raised more than £4,700 to have a defibrillator installed on Roker sea front in memory of two employees that sadly died.
Falstone Court and Falstone Manor Care Home, in Roker, Sunderland, has raised £4,715 for a defibrillator to be installed on Roker sea front in memory of employees Hannah Simpson and Joanne Moore.
Hannah, who had worked at the care home for two years, suddenly died at work after suffering an embolism that travelled to her heart.
Claire Thirkell, home administrator, said: “The nearest defibrillator machine was located at The Cliff pub, which obviously in this situation, was too far for us to get to in time.”
A second employee, Joanne, who had worked at the home for more than 20 years, suffered an embolism in her brain.
Claire said: “Joanne was late for work and she was always on time. Our kitchen manager alerted her sister who then sent her dad and staff from the home to her house to find that she had passed away.”
The new defibrillator will be installed on Friday, May 29, by North East defibrillator charity Missed A Beat.
This charity installs defibrillators across the UK in vital spots including schools, parks, sports venues and public spaces.
Claire said: “The location of the machine is on the sea front, so, if needed, it will benefit everyone.”
A celebration of life will also be held for Hannah and Joanne at Falstone Court and Falstone Manor Care Home on May 29, from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
There will be food, refreshments and a DJ.