Welsh co-op funds eight life-saving defibrillators after community fundraising push

A Welsh dairy co-operative has helped fund the installation of eight community defibrillators following a successful walking fundraising campaign that raised almost £9000.

South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) is a wholly owned Welsh dairy co-operative made up of 164 farms across north, mid and west Wales, some of which have been supplying SCC with milk for generations.

The £8,764 was raised through a JustGiving walking challenge and the Creamery’s annual Christmas raffle that jointly generated enough funding to purchase seven defibrillators.

Support from Achub Bywyd Cymru (Save a Life Cymru) helped secure funding for an additional eighth device.

The defibrillators will be installed in key community locations in Llanbrynmair, Penmorfa, Llanbedrog, Beddgelert, Cerrigydrudion, Llandwrog and Penmachno with the sites nominated by local residents to ensure the devices are placed where they are needed most.

Alan Wyn Jones, SCC’s Managing Director said: “This has been a real community effort and we’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved together.

“All defibs will be installed in locations nominated by local residents, ensuring they are placed where they are most needed within the community.

“Every defib installed has the potential to save a life and we’re grateful to everyone who donated, took part in the walk, bought raffle tickets or helped nominate locations.”

Once the defibrillators have been installed and registered, the Creamery plans to continue working with Achub Bywyd Cymru to offer awareness sessions so local people feel confident and prepared in emergency situations.

The initiative has also been shortlisted for a Local Community Award at the Wales Food and Drink Awards, with the awards ceremony taking place on 16 April in Swansea.

Mr Jones continued: “To be shortlisted is a real honour and reflects the Creamery’s commitment to supporting the communities we serve. We’re delighted that this initiative has received wider recognition.”

Tomos Hughes, Save a Life Cymru’s Community Coordinator for North Wales, added: “Early access to a defibrillator can save lives, which is why this initiative is so important to rural communities.

“If someone collapses and is not breathing normally, a bystander should call 999 immediately. The call handler will provide CPR instructions and direct another person to the nearest registered defibrillator.

“By supporting South Caernarfon Creameries and local communities to increase access to these vital, life‑saving devices, more people can be helped in an emergency.”