Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
The Save a Life campaign was the focus of a vibrant fundraising event held by Pals Bar, El Zoco in Calahonda on Wednesday, September 24.
Gerry Hannam is the local resident who spearheaded this initiative. Its goal is to install defibrillators strategically throughout the urbanisation including Pals Bar in order to respond quickly in cases of cardiac emergency. The event was a resounding success, with the campaign announcing it has raised an impressive €4,767.56 in just under two months.
This remarkable sum is enough to purchase two brand-new defibrillators, each costing approximately €2,000, with funds already accumulating toward a third. Gerry Hannam, who is the driving force behind SAL expressed his gratitude. “Your generosity, kindness and support made this possible and we cannot thank you enough.” He encouraged continued donations via the campaign’s payment link, saying, “Every little bit makes a huge difference — and you lot are amazing!”
Save a Life is a campaign that was born out of a very personal experience. Gerry had a sudden heart attack last Christmas while walking across Waterloo Bridge, London. A paramedic off duty saved his life by performing CPR. He also used a defibrillator nearby to restart his heart. Gerry and his wife were inspired by the life-changing event to launch SAL after returning to Spain. Their mission was to increase awareness of defibrillators and to provide them to Calahonda, Costa del Sol and surrounding areas.
This equipment is essential. Defibrillators are essential devices. A man who was playing padel at Finca Naundrup in Calahonda had his life saved by a device installed there. Defibrillators, which are safe and easy to operate, can mean the difference between a person’s life and death during a medical emergency. It could be you, or someone close to you.
Harvey James hosted the event and featured Ben James, a singer. The raffle also included some fantastic prizes.
SAL continues to mobilize community support by urging residents and businesses to help place more life-saving technologies in public places. Calahonda has become a safer community thanks to the generosity of its residents.
Donations can be made by anyone who feels inspired to do so at pay.sumup.com. Together, the community will ensure that no person faces a heart emergency without hope.
