Dame Rebecca Harris, Castle Point MP, recently joined the Canvey Island First Responders for a CPR training session for residents in Kings Park.

The First Responders are all volunteer members of the NHS, trained to respond to 999 emergency calls and cover the whole Island. They provide early life saving treatment often attending before the emergency services arrive. The group have also given their own time to train hundreds of local school pupils in CPR, especially at Leigh Beck and Castle View School. 

The group recently won the East of England Ambulance Service “Star of the EEAST” award in recognition of the amazing work they do in the local community.

Dame Rebecca is also campaigning to end the Heart Restart Tax, advocating for the removal of VAT on all defibrillators purchases to reduce the cost and make them more accessible for all grassroots sports clubs, small businesses, charities, community groups so that they can be in place in more locations across Castle Point. 

Dame Rebecca said: “We should all be incredibly proud of Canvey First Responders who totally deserve their award. I want to thank them on behalf of the community for all they do. Everyone should learn CPR, you will hopefully never need to do it, but it may make all the difference and save a life.”

Canvey Island First Responders are a voluntary group and as such are reliant on donations, sponsorship and fundraising events. You can find out more about their work and how to support them via their website: www.canveyfirstresponders.org.uk