Cumbria Freemasons Fund 26 Life-Saving Defibrillators for Local Communities
Cumbria Freemasons have confirmed a donation of £32,000 to install 26 defibrillators outside each of their Masonic buildings across the region. Once installed, these devices will be available 24/7, offering vital emergency support to local communities and helping improve survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
This initiative was inspired by Bill Morley of Cleator Moor, who is also raising funds to install defibrillators in memory of his late son Billy, both projects will include a memorial tribute in Billy’s name.
Keith Beaumont, spokesman for Cumbria Freemasons, commented:
“This is a powerful example of Freemasons making a difference in their communities. By taking this proactive step, we’re providing a life-saving resource not just for our members, but for the wider public across Cumbria.”
The donation has been made to the Northwest Ambulance Charity, making Cumberland & Westmorland the first Masonic province in the UK to install Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) on all their buildings.
Megan Stephenson, Community Resuscitation Engagement Officer for the Northwest Ambulance Service, praised the initiative:
“My role focuses on improving survival rates from cardiac arrests outside of hospitals, and many rural areas in Cumbria lack easy access to defibrillators. Installing these 26 CPADs will immediately improve coverage in underserved areas. This is a trailblazing project that will save lives. Huge congratulations to everyone involved!”
