AS thanks for the use in July of the defibrillator on Crediton High Street, the family of the late Graham Avery have given a cheque for £250 to the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface towards the cost of upkeep of the machine.

Steve Nicholls allowed the machine, donated last year by the Rotary Club, to be on the outside of his business, A J Cox Butcher.

Saying what a valuable resource this was for the town, Graham’s family explained that having been taken ill in the High Street, staff from Crediton Pharmacy, members of the public and emergency services provided first aid and attempted CPR on him, making use of that defibrillator.

Receiving the cheque were the President Paul Radnor with Past President Paul Fallon who said that every time the defibrillator was used it needed new pads which cost more than £40 each. Every three years the battery has to be changed which costs £300 now.

He said the machine was registered with South West Ambulance Service and the Club helps with another donated by LeRoy Funeral Service.

Paul Radnor added that there was also a machine at Market Street, another at the High Street Tesco, one at the Masonic Hall on Union Road, another indoors at the Bowling Club on Newcombes Meadow and one at the Boniface Centre, to name just some of those in the town.

Paul thanked Steve Nicholls for allowing the machine to go on the wall outside his shop.

The retiring collection at Mr Avery’s funeral was in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust.