TAVISTOCK Athletic Club members run and/or walked that extra mile to raise money for a life saving defibrillator for Tavistock Sports Centre and Tavistock College. 

In total they went 500 miles by organising open runs on the track, with everyone aiming to run a minimum of a mile, and a final quiz night to push the total to a superb £1,040.

Tavistock College has one of the highest number of employees in the borough as well as a high number of visitors using its sports facilities. TAC, which is a major investor in the athletics track, thought that it would be appropriate to have a defibrillator — a vital piece of first aid equipment — at the centre. 

Following a first aid course, 14 coaches were made aware of the importance of defibrillators. 

The club set about contacting HeartSWell, the Derriford-based charity supporting cardiac care and recovery. They agreed to support the challenge of raising funds, supply of the defibrillator and ongoing training and maintenance.  

TAC vice chair Alistair Kinsey said: ‘You never know when there will be a situation when the defibrillator will be needed, but the vital minutes that can be saved by having one at the sports centre could literally save a life.’

He thanked everyone involved with Tavistock Athletic Club for their generosity and support.