Fundraiser gets defibrillator installed in Canons Park, Harrow

Roshni Ruparelia spearheaded a fundraising effort which brought in more than £4,000 and resulted in a new defibrillator by the Good Friends Café in Harrow’s Canons Park. 

The 25-year-old said she was motivated by the “scary statistic” that those who suffer cardiac arrest are ten per cent less likely to survive with each passing minute without medical intervention. 

Ms Ruparelia explained the closest defibrillator to the park close to where she grew up was around an eight-minute drive away at Stanmore Station, which meant lives could be lost unnecessarily.

She recalled a tragic case during her appeal where a man suffered a heart attack in Canons Park and died and said many people now feel safer out and about in the area with the knowledge a defibrillator is nearby.

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Ms Ruparelia said:  “I’d be walking around the park speaking to local community members who were telling me stories about how they had survived heart attacks thanks to defibs or those who had heart problems who said they felt much more comfortable. 

“Hearing those personal stories was what made me feel the most fulfilled during the project, beyond hitting the target itself.”

Alongside the need for more machines, Ms Ruparelia believes educational support from schools, community groups and councils will save many more people. 

She said: “If you explain to people what they are and how invaluable they are, interest will naturally come. 

“I think basic life support training should become part of the school curriculum – anyone of any age can use them, they are designed to be used by anyone over the age of seven.

“And while I appreciate funds are limited, the council should support initiatives like this. I hope they are never needed but I know how valuable they can be.”

Christmas Fundraising (Roshni Ruparelia) can be used by all LDRS partners

Ms Ruparelia added the community spirit around the campaign shows the impact knowledge around defibrillators can have and said some of her friends have been inspired to take up similar projects.

She noted the support offered by ward councillor Amit Jogia and other Harrow Council representatives, who put her in touch with the charity The Community Heartbeat Trust. 

She also praised the “genuine angels” from the Friends of Canons Park, as well as all those who donated or held collections, and said she “would have struggled” without their support. 

The defibrillator, which will also benefit from an initial ten years of maintenance, is the first to be installed in a park in Harrow. 

It was officially unveiled in a ceremony earlier this month attended by the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ghazanfar Ali.