A Nantwich teenager is doing a school project with a difference – to save lives.
Brine Leas Academy student Harrison Lunt is taking an Extended Project Qualification to fund more life-saving defibrillators for his fellow pupils and staff.
Harrison, 16, from Aston, came up with the “Defibs 4 BL6” idea because his own family has a history of genetic heart disease.
“Three members of my family owe their lives to having a defibrillator used on them within minutes of having a cardiac arrest,” he said.
“And at least 12 young people under the age of 35 die every week in the UK from cardiac arrest.
“Having access to a defibrillator within one minute of cardiac arrest gives a 90% chance of survival. If you have to wait nine minutes your chance of survival decreases to only 10%.”
The more Harrison researched, the more he was determined that all school environments like Brine Leas with more than 1,200 students, staff and visitors need defibrillators.
“Not to have defibrillators at strategic points within such a setting seems an unnecessary risk in this day and age when the price of such equipment has become more affordable,” said Harrison.
Brine Leas headteacher Andrew Cliffe bought one defibrillator for the main school at the end of last summer after initial talks with the teenager.
Now Harrison is hoping to secure at least two more by the end of his project, including one to be based in the new BL6 Sixth Form building.
One way he is trying to raise funds is auctioning off old memorabilia, including that of his late step-grandfather Clifford Sargent (pictured, right).
Clifford, who spent five years in the Royal Corps of Signals and fought at Monte Casino, worked in his father’s building company in Liverpool.
When he died, the family found gold-leaf in the back of a cupboard.
“He had nothing else, so we gave it to Harrison and his brother Ben,” said Harrison’s mum, Berny.
“I had it valued when Harry started looking for ways to raise money for the defibs, not thinking it was going to be worth much.
“The whole family agreed Cliff would have loved the idea of the defib, so all the money raised will go towards that.
“We took them to Peter Wilson’s auctioneers and it turns out that they have an estimate of £400-£500!”
The story of Matthew Dewhirst has also inspired the project.
Matthew, 17, who lived in Nantwich and Crewe, collapsed and died of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) during a rugby training session.
His mum Sue Dewhirst set up the “CRY for Matthew Appeal” in his name, to prevent more cases of SADS by holding local screenings.
And now Sue and Brine Leas have agreed to stage heart screenings for students in conjunction with Harrison’s project on two dates in November this year.
Brine Leas headteacher Mr Cliffe said: “Harrison has shown real initiative on this project and he is passionate about the need for public buildings having appropriate access to a defibrillator. We wish him every success in his fundraising.”
He has also set up a Facebook page called Defibs 4 BL6 and is now planning a six-day sponsored walk along Hadrian’s Wall in the summer.
Mum Berny added: “I think the ultimate goal for Harrison would be the project has a long-standing value that may one day help to save a life and inspires others to fundraise for defibrillators.
“In fact Defibs 4 BL6 has already been approached by someone asking for information on how they can fundraise for a defib for their village which on the Sandstone Trail, so the word is spreading!”
Well done Harrison! I am sure your step-grandfather would have been very proud of you. There are certainly more good young people around than the ones who get all the publicity, so let’s celebrate when we hear of special people like you!!
What an inspiring young man! In amongst all the bad news there is in the world, this feels like a breath of fresh air. Well done, Harrison!