A COUPLE who lost their son when he was just 13 have donated yet another defibrillator, as part of a campaign they are heading.

Brenda and Barrie Irons lost their son, David, to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), and have since donated 13 defibrillators in his memory.

The couple from Stotfold, who are working with charity SADS UK, want to increase the number of defibrillators available in the community.

The latest to benefit from their generosity was Hitchin Town Football Club, who were donated the piece of equipment and then trained how to use it by the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST).

Mr Irons said: “Traditionally, few establishments had defibrillators or access to them, and with our work through SADS UK, we are going some way to addressing this situation.

“We believe this lifesaving equipment should be readily available in the community.”

A defibrillator, when used correctly, is the only piece of equipment that will restore the heart rhythm.

It can be used if a person goes into cardiac arrest, giving them the best possible chance of survival.

Lindsey Coldwell, senior commercial training officer from EEAST, said: “Defibrillators are vital in over 70 per cent of cardiac arrests along with excellent CPR.

“EEAST supports SADS UK and their efforts to provide [defibrillators] in the community. They are simple and safe to use, our friend in a crisis.”