Marian Jeremy, with Mick Williams, Kim Morrisey, John McConnell (Queen's events co-ordinator and 'voice of Ludgershall' volunteer with Castledown Radio), Jane Robinson, Caroline Dippnall, Alan Weston and Ian Rennie (Wiltshire FRS group manager).

Two Ludgershall businesses have shown their support for their local fire station by raising money for partnership initiatives that will directly benefit both the fire service and the local community. More than £2,200 was raised and handed over at a presentation on December 5 at Ludgershall fire station, following a calendar of colourful fund-raising events that were held throughout the summer and autumn.

The Queen's Head pub in Ludgershall raised £1,300, which regulars had donated through the monthly quiz; family fun day with pony rides, golf, barbecue and face painting; lottery events; discos and big games nights. This money will be used to purchase a second defibrillator for Ludgershall Fire Station, where the retained fire fighters are also trained co-responders to the Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS). This is a vital service, due to the time it would take for ambulances to reach the area and the fire service is frequently first on the scene during medical emergencies in Ludgershall and the surrounding villages.

The station already has one defibrillator, and with the introduction of a second, one can remain on the main fire appliance and the second on the special co-responding vehicle that the station uses. The whole co-responding partnership is under review and currently, the fire crews don't cover overnight incidents or treat children under 12. Despite this, fire crews have already attended more than 200 medical incidents in the area covered by Ludgershall fire station in the last two years alone, which demonstrates the necessity for such a service.

On August 21, 2006, Ludgershall resident Marian Jeremy collapsed and lapsed into unconsciousness after she suffered a brain haemorrhage while talking on the phone at her home. Her partner Rob found her at 5.20 pm at the foot of the stairs and dialled 999. The retained fire crew were there within a few minutes, used the defibrillator and Marian was then taken by ambulance to Salisbury hospital and on to Southampton General, where she remained for 13 days. She has since made a full recovery.

Marian attended the cheque presentation, followed by coffee at the Queen's Head, and she declared: 'The boys were absolutely marvellous. Besides sorting me out, they also managed to reassure my partner and friends who were in a bit of a state. If it wasn't for the fire crew, I definitely wouldn't be here now!' Marian's nephew, Ludgershall fire station watch manager, Mick Williams, said: 'It will make a big difference having a second defibrillator. It's a crucial piece of equipment, and my aunt is living proof of that! Queen's Head landlady, Jane Robinson, echoed his sentiment, adding, 'that second defibrillator has only got to save one life to make it worthwhile!'

John McConnell, Kim Morrisey, David Jacomb, (co-responder liaison manager for Wiltshire FRS) and Jane Robinson.

Kim Morrisey, community response manager (southern region) for GWAS, who will provide the defibrillator, said; 'I would really like to thank everyone at the Queen's Head in Ludgershall for all their efforts in raising enough money to provide this life-saving equipment, which will be utilised by the fire crew at Ludgershall fire station and will improve patient care in the local community'. Kim also thanked the local Tesco Express convenience store, which raised £200 to buy some additional items to be used with the second defibrillator.

The store, which held a family fun day back in the summer, also donated £700 to the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, which works on behalf of the fire service to carry out free home fire safety checks and install smoke detectors, for the elderly and the vulnerable. A poster and postcard campaign will take place in post offices, pubs and food shops across the area during Christmas and the New Year, to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your home from fire, installing and maintaining smoke detectors and will invite people to request a free home fire check. The initiative, which will cover Ludgershall, Tidworth, Everleigh, the Collingbournes, Wexcombe and the Chutes, will also be publicised by Castledown community radio and the bi-monthly Pulse community magazine.

Caroline Dippnall, duty manager at Tesco Express in Ludgershall, said: 'We are supported by local people from this area, and it's nice to be able to give something back to the community, especially to the elderly and the vulnerable and those with young children'. Bobby Van operator and manager, Alan Weston, who attended the presentation, said: 'This donation is totally unexpected and will be put to really good use in a partnership home safety campaign with Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service (FRS), focusing on Ludgershall and the surrounding area.'

Caroline Dippnall, with Alan Weston and Mick Williams.

Ludgershall fire station watch manager, Mick Williams, had the last word, saying: 'We really value our partnership with the Bobby Van and this proactive campaign will enable us, via the Bobby Van, to reach a larger number of people across this area than we would otherwise have had the resources to visit'.

To request a free home fire safety check, please ring free 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk