Student unveils defibrillator in friend's memory

Student paramedic Amy Shadbolt unveiled a new defibrillator at the same site her friend died

A student paramedic has unveiled a defibrillator in memory of her friend.

Amy Shadbolt, 21, began a campaign for more public defibrillators after her fellow student Shane Davies died in a road crash.

The device, which has been positioned near the scene of the crash on Henwick Road in Worcester, was funded by Mark King, founder of The Oliver King Foundation.

Ms Shadbolt said: "I'm so grateful for the support. It was really unexpected for me especially having someone from such a big foundation reach out."

"It will mean a lot to the community. It means a lot to family and friends of Shane but also in Worcester having more access to public defibrillators is really important," she added.

The Oliver King Foundation was set up in January 2012.

The Oliver King Foundation was created in memory of Mr King's 12-year-old son in 2012.

He suffered a cardiac arrest while taking part in a swimming race in a location that had no defibrillator.

He died from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, a hidden heart condition.

Ms Shadbolt, from Worcester, had already raised more than £900 in the hopes of fitting a defibrillator where her friend died.

"Losing my friend to a fatal road traffic collision, kick-started me raising awareness for getting public access to defibrillators."

She added: "I want to train people in CPR and how to use these life saving devices.

"I want to raise general awareness of how important defibrillators are and early interventions, particularly in cardiac arrests, but also provide education to the public about this important matter."