TWO leading North East charities have joined forces to provide equipment which could mean the difference between life and death for anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest.
Red Sky Foundation raises thousands of pounds to not only buy essential items for cardiac units in hospitals across the region but also installs life-saving defibrillators at key locations available to the public.
And now it has teamed up with Out North East – the LGBTQ+ charity which is organising three major Prides this year – donating four defibs to celebrate Pride in the region.
Out North East is currently running Pride in Sunderland throughout June, followed by Pride in South Tyneside in July and then Pride in Gateshead in August.
The relationship with Red Sky Foundation has seen the installation of a defibrillator in each area where a Pride is happening – at the Rainbow Hub at Sunniside Gardens, Sunderland, Chopwell Woods, Gateshead and at Bents Park, South Tyneside.
The fourth one is now in place at Bobby’s Bar, Newcastle – right at the heart of Newcastle’s LGBTQ+ scene.
Peter Darrant, CEO of Out North East, said the partnership with Red Sky Foundation would make a massive difference.
“At Out North East we are all about changing hearts and minds and getting people to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community,” he said.
“Now, thanks to the generosity of Red Sky Foundation and the amazing work they do, we can also help save lives.
“We are very grateful to the charity for these life-saving donations.”
Sergio Petrucci MBE, who set up Red Sky Foundation with his wife Emma, has seen at first hand the difference having a defibrillator can make.
“When someone has a medical emergency, every second counts and using early CPR and a defibrillator can make a huge difference to the chance of survival,” he said.
“Sudden cardiac arrest does not discriminate; it can literally happen to anyone.
“We pride ourselves as being an inclusive charity and continue to provide support for everyone and we are committed to treating everyone fairly, regardless of sexual orientation.
“Diversity, equality and inclusion are some of our core values and at the same time it’s vital that people are educated in the use of CPR, that knowledge could help save a life until medical help arrives on the scene.
“We are delighted to have teamed up with Out North East using our charitable funds raised to put four more machines in key locations with the knowledge that they will help save more lives.”
To date the Red Sky Foundation has placed more 600 defibrillators which have been deployed thousands of times to give people the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
The popular charity has raised more than £1.5m to buy vital cardiac equipment and also provide support, facilities and after care for hundreds of families at the children’s heart unit at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, Sunderland Royal Hospital and James Cook Hospital on Teesside.
To learn CPR in just 15 minutes and for further information visit www.redskyfoundation.com
Full details of the programme of all the three Out North East Prides are available at www.outnortheast.org.uk
