Rye team play vitalrole in saving lives

Rother Responders is a local Community First Responder Scheme operated by a team of volunteers who have been trained to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system in conjunction with the Ambulance Service.

The scheme was only established at the end of November last year and since then has gone from strength to strength.

With support from members of the public at fund raising events and local organisations and businesses, Rother Responders has been able to fund 5 responder kits so far at a cost of £1,400 each which includes life-saving defibrillators.

John Padovani, who helped to set up the scheme locally, said: “Our numbers have gone from 6 to 11 trained volunteers. We now have responders in Rye, Camber, Peasmarsh, Northiam, Beckley, Icklesham and Staplecross ready to respond to emergency calls in their local and surrounding communities.

“We would like to express a big thank you to all those who have supported them so far through donations, awarding grants and sponsorship. These include: GP PromoWear, The Jempson Foundation, Saunters Construction, Totally Commerce, Rye and Winchelsea Rotary Club, Abbot Print, The League of Friends of Rye and District Memorial Hospital, Icklesham Parish Council, Hurst Green Parish Council, Rye Town Council, Udimore Parish Council, Dun-Bri Group, Rye and District Council for Voluntary Service and Peasmarsh Parish Council.

“Rother Responders are hoping to expand further and we are looking to hear from people who might be interested in joining this voluntary group who live in the other rural communities where we do not currently have responder coverage.

To find out more and check eligibility, visit the website (www.RotherCFR.co.uk) or you can meet them at their next booked awareness and fundraising event at the Iden Village Fete on July 27 where they will be holding a special raffle to win a pair of standard return Eurostar tickets.