Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Gerry Hannam, a husband and wife team, were out on a Christmas day stroll with their daughter, Jenny. It was just over a year before Gerry suffered a massive, sudden cardiac arrest. Gerry collapsed without warning. A nurse who was off duty quickly started CPR and a National Theatre staff member rushed to the scene with a defibrillator. They restored a faint pulse before the ambulance arrived. Gerry was saved by the quick actions of strangers. However, the couple never had the chance to thank the London Ambulance Service or the National Theatre for their help.
Needing to give back to the community & give thanks to life savers
Gerry and Jenny, who live in Sitio De Calahonda in Mijas Costa were shocked when they returned to their home to find that there was a complete absence of defibrillators available to the public in the region. In an effort to prevent future tragedies and give back, they launched Save a Life in 2025. The community is a part of this grassroots initiative that will install lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators at strategic locations in Calahonda and Riviera Del Sol.
Gerry and Jenny say it often: “Doing this helped Jenny, me and our family move forward.” We’ve always said that even if you save just one person, it will be enough to give those people a second chance a little credit.
A community rally
The community-funded campaign made rapid progress in a very short period of time. Each defibrillator has been registered with the Andalusian Health Authority and given an official number. Emergency services can then direct people calling 112 towards the nearest device.
SAL recently celebrated the installation of their sixth AED that is publicly accessible. Supermercado Miraflores in Calahonda. The placement was supported significantly by contributions from Sol Bar & Bistro owners, including a charity walk and quiz night organised by Tracy Azram. The Hannams have expressed their gratitude to all involved. “Together, you’re making Mijas Costa even safer for residents, tourists, and families.” The Hannams expressed their gratitude to everyone involved, saying “Together, we’re making Mijas Costa an even safer place for residents and visitors.”
The six defibrillators that are life-saving and have been installed as part of the Save a Life Campaign can be found at:
- Pals Bar, El Zoco, Sitio de Calahonda
- El Campanario, Sitio de Calahonda
- Millennium Bar, Sitio de Calahonda
- JJ’s, Riviera Del Sol (with Owner Sam)
- Bridges Bar in Riviera del sol (with employee Sadie).
- Supermercado Miraflores, Calahonda
Business 1st Charity Golf Day at Santa Clara Golf Club on Saturday 31st January is the next big fundraising event for the campaign.
The format is individual Stableford with a shotgun start at 9.30am. For €145 per person, participants receive:
- Green fee shared buggy
- 2-course lunch
- After the round, you can have 1 drink
- Drinks on the Course
- Prizes for all!
- Raffles and auctions are available.
- Automatic donation to SAL charity
To enter, visit www.justmarbellagolf.com You can also call +34 71 052 448.
Save a Life is a campaign that continues to inspire Costa del Sol. It turns personal gratitude into widespread actions, which could save a loved one, a neighbor, or a friend one day. What community member will start a Save a Life in your area next?
