This year, as part of St John Ambulance’s Save a Life September campaign, community groups and the public are being invited to take part in a Midsomer Norton CPR-athon on Saturday, 24th September between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The overall aims are to increase awareness in order to save lives, and at the same time, raise much-needed funds.

The event is being run by a partnership between the nation’s leading First Aid charity and the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, and will be held in Midsomer Norton town centre. Community Groups and individuals are being invited to sign up in advance to do two minutes pumping the chest of a dummy on the day. At the same time, participants will be encouraged to get their friends and families to sponsor them in order to raise money to run free, community group first aid awareness training sessions in the town. However, shoppers of all ages passing by will also be encouraged to have a go on the day.

“It is amazing how such a simple skill can save people’s lives – and yet it’s so easy to rush about our daily routines without ever taking the time to learn,” said Helen Jones, Unit Manager of the Norton Radstock St John Ambulance Cadets. “But how would you feel if you were faced with someone experiencing cardiac arrest and you simply had to stand helpless because you didn’t know what to do? And you can’t always rely on a paramedic being at hand. So now is your chance to learn and possibly save the life of a loved one or a friend, neighbour or stranger.”

To register for the Midsomer Norton CPR-athon visit: www.midsomernorton communitytrust.co.uk or email: manager@midsomer nortoncommunitytrust.co.uk. Hard copies of the entry form will be available in the entrance to the Town Hall Reception or Midsomer Norton Library. For details on the work of the St John Ambulance, including first aid advice, volunteering, details of training for the public, schools and businesses, plus Save a Life September, visit: www.sja.org.uk or call: 08700 104950.