Officer raises funds for life saving equipment in Maidstone

Three defibrillators have been installed across Maidstone after an officer cycled nearly double the length of the River Thames and raised more than £3,000.

PC Nick Lingham, alongside 20 others including colleagues and friends, cycled more than 360 miles in 12 hours to raise funds for the life-saving equipment after being inspired by his late colleague and friend, PC Adrian Debnam.

The officer initially set about cycling 215 miles to raise £2,500 for two defibrillators to be placed along the River Medway towpath between East Farleigh and Aylesford.

The event, held at The Village Hotel and Gym, saw those involved cycle nearly double their target distance and the additional money raised has enabled them to purchase a third defibrillator.

Furthermore, the pot stretched to provide each device with three sets of pads and a new battery as needed as part of an ongoing maintenance plan.

The new units have been installed along the riverbanks near Allington Locks, Mill Meadow, and Fairmeadow.

Maidstone Borough Council will continue funding the running costs, and three businesses have agreed to cover the annual electricity costs for their local unit.

PC Nick Lingham said:

‘Adrian and I often used to cycle the river Medway towpath and discuss how the area could be improved by the addition of 24/7 defibrillators for medical emergencies. ‘Unfortunately, Adrian passed away before we had a chance to put our plan in action together, so I decided to carry it out in his memory, with the help of the community. ‘I would like to thank everyone for their help and generous donations.’