Plan to install 40 new defibrillators in Portsmouth

Lynn Timms, Portsmouth, is leading a campaign to install 40 new defibrillators in Portsmouth.

The campaign marks the 40th anniversary of her mum's death from a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest at the age of 46. 

She founded the charity FortyForFrankie in March this year after talking with her husband about wanting a defibrillator closer to her house.

Since then Lynn and her charity have seen the installation of nine new AEDs in Portsmouth , which is where her mum was from.

She says that it feels like full-time job.

The most recent defibrillator was installed at the Carlton Club, Portsdown Avenue, and registered to The Circuit which enables emergency services to locate the device to an emergency.

This was the 17th AED to be installed as part of the project so far.

Lynn and volunteers outside St Cuthbert's

As well as raising money she has held bingo nights, training events and raised awareness about how accessible defibrillators can save lives.

Lynn shared this photo of her mum, Frances

“It’s got the potential to happen to anyone,” she says.

“It’s about having them available, knowing where they are and giving people the confidence to administer them.

“It’s very satisfying work because so much background research, emails and conversations go into each installation”.

AED’s are easy to use and do not require training. Once turned on the device will give you step-by-step audio instructions on how to administer it.

Lynn at the site of one of her defibrillators, The Good Companion, Southsea

The purchase and installation of an AED can cost anywhere between £1500 and £2000, which doesn’t include the cost of replacement pads and batteries which can cost upwards of £300 each.

Lynn’s work has helped her talk about her mum’s death as a year ago she “couldn’t even get the words out”.

If this work has inspired you visit their crowdfunder at https://www.forty-4-Frankie.co.uk to suppourt Lynn’s mission to make Portsmouth safer.