A NEW defibrillator has been installed at The Alice Cross Centre.

Nicknamed by some of the team at the centre ‘The Yellow Beast’, the machine is all ready to save lives.

Volunteer Jane Lawrence says: ‘We are delighted, at The Alice Cross Centre in Teignmouth, to have our very own community defibrillator.

‘It was officially ‘opened’ on Friday, by noted local historian and author, Viv Wilson MBE, who has had a long and valued association with The Alice – thank you, Viv!

‘You can’t miss the cabinet – it’s bright yellow!’

‘A huge thank you to all our volunteers at the Centre, who have worked tirelessly to raise funds by organising events – and to those who came along!

‘You are all very special and, with your help, we achieved our aim in no time at all.

‘Thanks to you, anyone at The Alice, and people locally, can feel safer knowing the defib is just outside.

‘Thanks too must go to Liam Bennet, who fitted the cabinet for free, and Jerry Williamson who supported the project throughout.

‘Also, to the local Surf Life-saving club, who will be regularly checking the unit; while the Teign Heartbeat charity, set up by Shirley Brokenshaw, will pay for any replacements required.

‘If ever you were looking for a story of serendipity and community service, then you would need look no further than the events surrounding the tale of the defibrillator!

‘Twelve years ago, Viv showed Shirley and her husband, Mike, around Teignmouth for the Escape to the Country television show.

‘Shirley and Mike fell in love with Teignmouth and settled here.

‘Skipping forward to now, two stalwarts of the local community have come together to launch the new defibrillator at The Alice.

‘The town of Teignmouth is blessed to have two such valued citizens working tirelessly to contribute to a better quality of life for all.

‘It is so encouraging knowing that Teignmouth has so many community defibrillators – ours is the 19th, making a total of 49 around the wider area and beyond.

‘What a lovely place to live!’

If you would like to find out more about the Alice Cross Centre team’s lunches and meal delivery service, give them a call on 01626 778039 between 9am and 2pm.

‘If you know anyone who might benefit from any of our services or if you would like to offer your time as a volunteer to support the work of The Alice Cross, even for just an hour or two a week, please get in touch with us,’ adds Jane.