Charity defibrillators 'have already saved lives'
BBCA family who are installing defibrillators across Hartlepool after the sudden death of their son have said they have already been used to save lives.
Danny Shurmer was a popular local cricketer and died from a cardiac arrest at the age of 43 in 2021.
The charity DS43, which was set up in his name, has funded and installed 81 public defibrillators in the town.
Pam Shurmer, Danny's mum, said: "The other day someone told us their mum was saved by one of our machines.''
The ultimate aim is for anyone suffering a cardiac arrest in the town to be within 350m (0.2 miles) of a life-saving device.
Family handoutDanny was a fit, healthy, sports-mad man, and his parents said, like many people, they thought cardiac arrests were something that happened to other families.
Originally after his death they planned to raise money for three defibrillators but then became aware of the wider need.
His father, Bill, said: "We feel proud that we have helped save lives and stopped other families suffering the same heartache we have.
''I always said if we saved one person, then Danny didn't die in vain.''
The family said the fundraising work continued as new housing estates were being built around Hartlepool and further machines were needed.
There is also the need for cash for the maintenance of what has become a huge network, his parents said.
"We've always been supported by the kindness and generosity of local people," Mrs Shurmer added.
"People know this is a Hartlepool charity, supporting Hartlepool people.''