Above: A group of Dame Allan’s Pupils helped to raise funds for the Church Defibrillator. (L-R Thomas Witherspoon, Ben Percy, Aiden M, Yaqub Ali, Orlando S, and Wyatt Gallon)

A community defibrillator that was part-funded by Dame Allan’s has been used five times in potentially life saving action.

The installation of the defibrillator, which is in place outside St James’ and St Basil’s Church, in Fenham, Newcastle, was supported by pupils and the Parents’ Association from Dame Allan’s Senior School, located just around the corner from the church. The defibrillator was installed in January 2025. 

The invaluable piece of kit saw pupils and parents join forces, with the Parents’ Association (known as DASPA) providing funds, alongside additional monies raised by a group of caring young schoolboys: Ben Percy, Wyatt Gallon, Aiden M, Yaqub Ali, Thomas Witherspoon and Orlando S.

The boys held a games stall at a School Fair to raise funds, as part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Fifty per cent of the defibrillator costs were covered by DASPA and Dame Allan’s pupils. 

Additional funds for the defib were raised by a kind donation from a member of the Fenham community.

Dr Laura Percy, Co-Chair of Dame Allan’s Parents’ Association said: “At DASPA, we were so pleased to be able to support the funding of the defibrillator at St James’ and St Basil’s Church, it is a special place in the community and often hosts events for the Parents’ Association and for Dame Allan’s. 

“We are also so grateful to the pupils who gave their time to support this important cause, and to leadership at the Church for helping to manage this project. The fact that the defibrillator has been used five times goes to show just how valuable this addition has been to the local community.”