A new 24/7 publicly accessible defibrillator has been installed at Cholsey House on Oxford Road by the John Sykes Foundation, providing a vital emergency lifeline for thousands of residents, workers, and commuters in this busy part of Reading. The unit is mounted in a prominent outdoor location, ensuring it is available around the clock, even when other facilities are closed.
In cardiac emergencies, every second counts. Rapid access to a defibrillator before medical help arrives can significantly increase the chances of survival. This installation is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving community health and safety across the town.
Official Unveiling at Cholsey House
The defibrillator was officially unveiled at Cholsey House with John Sykes, Founder and Chair of Trustees at the Foundation, Tony Jones, an Alderman of Reading and Public Governor of Berkshire for South Central Ambulance Service, Cllr. Amjad Tarar (Deputy Mayor of Reading), Colin Dennis, Chair of South Central Ambulance Service, Matt Rodda MP for Reading Central, and local Councillor for Battle Ward Wendy Griffith, alongside members of the local community.
Tony Jones is leading a campaign to encourage the installation of more defibrillators across the town. This new addition is the third defibrillator he has helped to secure within the past year, according to Colin Dennis.
Life-Saving Potential in a Busy Area
A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease significantly. Having a defibrillator close by, available around the clock, can make a critical difference while emergency services are on their way.
Locating equipment in accessible places such as Cholsey House means it can potentially be used by members of the public, local businesses, residents, and visitors when it is needed most. The Foundation believes that increasing the number of publicly accessible defibrillators across Reading is an important part of creating a safer community.
Community Leaders Praise Initiative
John Sykes said: “We are delighted to have installed this defibrillator at Cholsey House and, most importantly, to know that it is available to the local community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A defibrillator can be the difference between life and death when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Every second matters and having one readily available in a busy area such as the Oxford Road gives people the best possible chance of receiving immediate assistance whilst paramedics are on their way. We hope that this installation will not only provide reassurance to the local community, but also encourage others to consider how they can help increase the availability of defibrillators across Reading. We are particularly pleased to have Alderman Tony Jones with us, given his campaign to see more life-saving equipment installed throughout our town. This is exactly the type of practical investment that can make a genuine difference to people's lives, and we are proud to play our part.”
Tony Jones added: “The need for publicly available defibrillators which can be accessed at any time of day or night is not widely known. I cannot thank John Sykes enough for the commitment he has shown to the provision of a new defibrillator at such a high profile position on the Oxford Road. There are still defibrillator deserts all across Reading and this new addition will help address the gap in this busy part of town.”
Colin Dennis said: “It is fantastic to see another publicly accessible defibrillator being installed in Reading, particularly in such a busy location where it has the potential to make a real difference in an emergency. I would like to thank the John Sykes Foundation for funding this important piece of lifesaving equipment, and our Public Governor Tony Jones for his determination in helping to make it happen. This is now the third defibrillator Tony has helped to secure within the past year, which is a tremendous example of how our governors can work with local organisations and communities to make a tangible difference. Early CPR and access to a defibrillator can be crucial when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and every new publicly accessible AED helps strengthen the chain of survival. I hope initiatives such as this also encourage more organisations and communities to consider what they can do to improve access to lifesaving equipment.”
The John Sykes Foundation hopes that the new defibrillator will provide reassurance to those who live, work and visit the area, while contributing to the wider effort to ensure that more life-saving equipment is available across Reading.
