Catterick
Saving Lives Across Catterick
Heart of Catterick: Giving Back Through Community Action
When Love Property began looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community it has proudly served for nearly 20 years, the answer was surprisingly simple.
It had to be something that could genuinely make a difference. Something that could help anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance. Most importantly, it had to have a lasting impact.
That’s when Laura Howey, owner of Love Property, connected with Lee Whitworth of A&E Training.
Lee had already established the highly successful Heart of Richmond initiative, a community project dedicated to increasing access to public access defibrillators throughout the local area. Having seen first hand the difference these devices can make in an emergency, he understood the importance of ensuring they are readily available when every second counts.
Inspired by the success of Heart of Richmond, Laura and Lee came together to launch Heart of Catterick.
The initiative has one clear objective: to provide and support 24-hour public access defibrillators across Catterick and the surrounding communities, ensuring life saving equipment is available whenever it is needed.
Every year, thousands of people in the UK suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital. Survival rates increase significantly when CPR is combined with the rapid use of a defibrillator before emergency services arrive. Yet many people remain unaware of where their nearest defibrillator is located, or whether one is accessible outside normal opening hours.
Heart of Catterick seeks to change that by increasing the number of publicly accessible defibrillators available around the clock.
For Laura, the project reflects the values that have guided Love Property since it first opened its doors.
“We’ve been fortunate to serve this community for nearly two decades. We wanted to find a way to give something back that could benefit absolutely anyone. A defibrillator doesn’t discriminate by age, occupation or background. In an emergency, it could help a child, a parent, a neighbour, a colleague or a complete stranger. That’s what makes this initiative so important.”
The project is built on a shared belief that local businesses have an important role to play in strengthening the communities they serve. By working together with local organisations, businesses and residents, Heart of Catterick aims to create a network of life saving equipment that is visible, accessible and ready when needed.
While everyone hopes a defibrillator will never be required, their presence provides reassurance that help is close at hand if the unthinkable happens.
Heart of Catterick is more than a charitable initiative. It is a commitment to community, a commitment to preparedness, and a commitment to looking after one another. Because when every second counts, access to the right equipment can save a life.