Leading rail contractor, QTS Group, has donated two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to Lydney Town Council.The lifesaving equipment has been provided for distribution across the local community as part of the Lydney Town project.

A defibrillator has been installed at a local angling club following the tragic loss of a member, who suffered a cardiac arrest recently.The donation aims to help safeguard club members, visitors and the wider community by improving access to critical equipment in the event of sudden cardiac failure.

A second unit set is set to be installed in the coming weeks at a separate location, aimed to protect as many Lydney residents as possible should medical intervention be required locally. The donations follow QTS Group’s wider support locally. The contractor carried out maintenance works at the Victoria Centre in October which provides vital services for the town’s elderly community.

During this initiative, QTS employees spent time installing and painting fencing, jet washing pathways and tidying garden areas to create a safer and more welcoming environment for service users.

Gary Burnett, Regional Director England and Wales at QTS Group, said “Supporting the communities we work in is incredibly important to us, and this is a simple but meaningful way to help protect local people.“By working closely with Lydney Town Council, we’ve been able to place these defibrillators where they can have the greatest impact, offering people access to vital equipment should it be required in an emergency.

“We’re proud to play a small part in helping make Lydney a safer place and look forward to continuing to support the local community in effective ways.”

Glynis Halling, Chairman of the Victoria Centre in Lydney, added “Everyone at the Victoria Centre is so grateful for the support QTS Group has provided.“The improvements made to our outdoor spaces have created a safer, more welcoming environment for our service users, and initiatives like this further strengthen support for the local community.”