Life-saving group marks tenth anniversary with dinner

So to mark the occasion, members of the Steyning Area First Responders, known as Safer, held a celebration supper last week.

The event was held at The Sussex Produce Company in Steyning on Thursday.

It was attended by MP Nick Herbert, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, Steyning & Henfield Rotary Club, Steyning Parish Council, The Wilson Memorial Trust and other organisations.

Safer is a group of volunteers who help the ambulance service to treat people who need immediate medical assistance.

Chairman Martin Leigh-Pollitt said: “We are fortunate to live in a community where there are those willing to give up their time to look after others so willingly; be prepared to deal with life threatening situations and absorb the necessary knowledge.

“During the last 10 years our volunteer responders have attended thousands of calls, assisting those needing immediate medical assistance. We owe them a great debt.”

Mr Herbert said he was delighted to be there for the celebration and congratulated the team for their achievements.

During the evening volunteer responder Frank Bull, who is also a member of Steyning Arts, presented a cheque for £425 from an event they had organised as part of the Steyning Festival.

Safer’s patron, Sally Gunnell, also sent a message read by Mr Leigh-Pollitt.

In it, she said: “Safer Steyning is an organisation which is close to the hearts of those living in the area including my family, neighbours and friends. Any one of us and those of you at the supper could find ourselves in need of the crucial support that the scheme provides.

“I am not surprised to hear that the Responders are so highly valued in terms of expertise and timeliness by those who have benefited. I know that I certainly feel safer knowing they are around.

“I am delighted and honoured to be the patron of a scheme which provides such crucial support and which relies entirely on voluntary donations. We can be proud that the community is so generous in their support.”

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