TAVISTOCK residents have been thrown a lifeline by the British Heart Foundation and the local community, who have helped fund a life saving defibrillator for the town's Wharfside Surgery. The piece of equipment, which helps people suffering cardiac arrest, has been funded through the fundraising efforts of The Whitchurch Inn, which raised more than £600. The Tavistock branch of the BHF funded the remaining cost. Owen Penney, community fundraising manager for the BHF in Devon, said: 'We would like to thank the communities of Tavistock and Whitchurch for their support of the BHF, and we're delighted that their efforts have enabled us to provide a defibrillator for The Wharfside Surgery. 'We hope the defibrillator never has to be used, but if it does, lives will be saved as a result.' The Tavistock branch was formed in 1982 to help raise funds to provide local ambulances with the live saving equipment. For more information on the BHF and volunteering opportunities contact Mr Penney on 01822 860146.