The residents of Probus and Grampound have been thrown a lifeline by patients from their own GP practice and the British Heart Foundation who have helped fund two life saving defibrillators for Dr Round and Partners in Cornwall, home also to Probus Surgical Centre.

The life saving defibrillators, which help people suffering cardiac arrest, have been funded through the fundraising efforts of the GP practice's patients who have helped raise £1626 towards the total cost of the equipment, £4336. The BHF has funded the remaining cost.

Owen Penney, community fundraising manager for the BHF in Cornwall, said: "We would like to thank the people of Probus and Grampound for their support of the BHF and we're delighted that their efforts have enabled us to provide a defibrillator for Probus and Grampound Surgery. We hope the defibrillator never has to be used, but if it does, lives will be saved as a result."

Dr Simon Purchas, a partner at the practice, added: "We are fortunate to have such a supportive group of patients here and want to do everything we can to ensure that we provide them with the best care possible. These defibrillators will be pivotal in an emergency situation and will also be helpful in ongoing staff and doctor training. We are also grateful to all those who fundraise and support the vital work of the BHF and for their kind support of our application for the defibrillators."

The BHF has already funded more than 2,500 defibrillators for community sites and schemes in the UK, as well as more than 1,250 defibrillators for GPs and there has been over 200 lives saved to date as a result of this investment.

For more information about the work of the BHF and volunteering opportunities please call Owen Penney on 01822 860146, or visit bhf.org.uk.