A LIFESAVING father and son team have been given extra resources courtesy of generous contributions from the community.

Community First Responders Dennis and Martin Ford raised more than £6,000 for new equipment.

CFRs are people who live in a community who can sometimes get to a medical emergency with vital equipment such as a defibrillator before the ambulance.

They are trained and save lives.

Martin, who works in the railway industry, amassed most of the money through his railway connections.

They were all keen to help.

He said: “It started out as a simple conversation with some people who I work with.

"The companies they work for were all really engaged with the concept of CFRs and once they knew they could help, the money started to pour in.”

A Just Giving page was set up for the group and so far has raised £6,020 of the £8,000 target.

Martin added: “It feels great to have raised so much in such a short space of time; it means we can have multiple responders attending patients in the Colchester area, which is fantastic news.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated to a cause that is close to my heart, every donation counts, no matter how big or small.

"It means the world to me.”

Not only will the money be used to purchase new kits and update current equipment, but will also be shared with neighbouring CFR groups who need the funding.

Both Martin and his father hope that the donations continue to come in.

Martin said: “Why stop now? If we can keep the money coming in we will be able to save more lives in our community. "The demand for us is out there, we just need the resources to meet it.”

If you’re interested in volunteering with EEAST please visit www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team/volunteering-and-volunteers.htm If you would like to donate to the Colchester CFR group please visit their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/CFR-Martin-ford