Thousands raised for health causes

The charitable drive was a team effort between Boston’s Lloyds Bank and NFH Consultancy, with support from Boston Grammar School, other local businesses and the community over the past two years.

In all, some £3,065 was raised, split as follows:

l £1,715 for the Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service (LIVES) to provide Boston with more defibrillators (thought to be enough for at least two, with their location to be decided).

l £850 for the specialist heart centre at Lincoln.

l £250 for Callum Pite’s Smile Charity, which supports children with cancer.

l £250 for HOPE (Hearts Of Positive Energy), a heart failure support group.

A variety of fundraisers were held to achieve the total, including a sponsored cycle ride by Dr David O’Brien, consultant cardiologist at the centre; an art competition; and a summer fete at Boston Grammar School.

Nicola Humberstone, managing director of NFH Consultancy, said the idea for the charity drive came about after she saw someone fall ill at Lloyds Bank, in Boston.

There was no emergency equipment at hand, she said, and difficulties in the ambulance reaching the scene. Nicola helped staff take care of the individual until paramedics arrived.

Alongside the fundraising, steps have also been taken to ensure staff and members of the public are trained in how to use a defibrillator.

Nicola said: “The fundraising has brought a number of organisations and individuals together to create a network that has delivered something selflessly positive for its community.”

She thanked all those who supported the drive, adding: “I hope we as a community can do more good work in the future to support one another.”