Charity is parents’ first response

PARENTS of a young Misterton woman who was killed in a tragic road accident have donated new kit to the village medics who tried to save their daughter.

Hayleigh Dunne, 23, had been driving along the A161 Haxey Road near Misterton on 17th December 2010 when her Mini Cooper left the road and hit a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hayleigh’s dad Kevin Dunne said: “When Hayleigh had the accident one of the first persons to arrive was a first responder.”

“Unfortunately she was killed immediately and nothing could be done to save her life.”

Kevin explained the importance of first responders in rural locations such as Misterton.

He said: “Other emergency vehicles usually have to travel a distance to get to us.”

First responders are volunteers in the community trained to assist the ambulance service by attending potentially life threatening local 999 calls.

They can arrive quickly and give patient care until paramedics get there.

Hayleigh’s family and friends have rallied to raise thousands of pounds for local causes.

Various fundraising activities took place last year, including a mammoth sponsored swim at Retford Leisure Centre. Hayleigh was a keen swimmer and a member of several clubs.

Kevin and five friends entered their team Hayleigh’s Diamonds in the Retford Rotary Club Swimathon.

The challenge was to swim as many lengths as they could in 13 minutes, and they managed more than 170 between them - coming first place out of 20 teams.

They raised a whopping £1,200 which has been donated to the first responders to buy a new training mannikin and defribrillator.

Kevin said: “By raising money for this vital equipment we hope it will help save the life of someone else in the future.”

Group coordinator Martyn Johnson said he was overwhelmed to receive such a kind donation.

Said Martyn: “We cannot thank all those involved enough, and we are so proud to put the money to good use in Hayleigh’s memory.”

To find out more about joining the first responders call 01427 892649 or visit www.fvfr.co.uk

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