Housebuilder helps woman campaigning for more defibrillators in Milton Keynes

The housebuilder was contacted by Heather McBurnie, 48, from Woburn Sands, who is raising money for defibrillators for pubs in the area in memory of her niece, Sarah.

She approached the company as its divisional headquarters is located in Caldecotte and work is currently underway at Bellway’s new Wavendon Chase development in Wavendon.

Heather, who works at New City Heating in Bletchley, said: “I was astounded when I found out how much money Bellway wanted to contribute to my campaign.

"I had been fundraising for one defibrillator, but this donation enabled me to think about raising enough for two, therefore covering more areas.

“It’s a wonderful thing to see people helping and supporting this cause, as it really helps to reduce the impact of a similar events on the lives of other families.

“A defibrillator could have saved Sarah’s life and it is kind donations towards life-saving equipment that will make such a difference to the lives of local people here.”

Sarah was just 17 when she unexpectedly suffered a heart attack on a bus in 2015. During the 20-minute wait for an ambulance, she suffered brain damage from which she would not recover.

The family live in Havant in Hampshire and Sarah’s parents, Alan and Anna, have already raised cash to fund defibrillators at bus stations in the area.

Heather promised to continue the fundraising efforts in her own home town.

Luke Southgate, sales director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “When Heather approached us about her fundraising campaign, we were keen to help.

“Sarah’s story is heart-wrenching, especially knowing that a defibrillator could have saved her. It is hard to imagine a better cause than one which directly helps to save lives.

“We wish Heather the best of luck with her ongoing fundraising campaign.”

So far, £1,710 of the increased £2,000 target has been raised.

Heather recently kayaked from Sarah’s birthplace in Coventry to Milton Keynes to help bolster the total.

Once the target is achieved, the defibrillators will be installed at The Station Tavern and The Fir Tree Inn in Woburn Sands.

To donate to Heather’s fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/heather-mcburnie-1.