❤️ A Lasting Legacy on Sunderland's Seafront ❤️
- Mark Preston
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
On Friday 29th May 2026, a vision that started several months earlier became a lifesaving legacy.
After being approached by the team at Falstone Court and Falstone Manor Care Home, Mark Preston from MISSEDABEAT worked closely alongside staff, family members, local residents and supporters to help bring the project to life.
Through incredible fundraising efforts and community support, a lasting tribute was created in memory of two much-loved colleagues, Hannah Randell and Joanne Moore.
The result is a new community defibrillator and bleed control kit located at 2 Whitburn Road, Roker (SR6 9NQ), overlooking Sunderland's beautiful coastline and available to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The cabinet carries a special dedication to Hannah Louise Randell, ensuring her memory continues to live on through a device that could one day help save a life.
The location itself makes this installation even more special.
Positioned on Whitburn Road overlooking Roker seafront, the cabinet sits directly opposite Bede's Cross, one of Sunderland's most significant historical landmarks. Unveiled on 11th October 1904, the monument was erected in honour of the Venerable Bede, often referred to as the Father of English History.
For more than 120 years, Bede's Cross has stood proudly overlooking the North Sea, serving as a place of reflection, remembrance and community for generations.
This community defibrillator stands as a lasting tribute to Hannah Louise Randell.
A lifesaving community defibrillator and bleed control kit, installed in memory of Hannah and Joanne, now stands ready to help protect residents, visitors, walkers, runners, cyclists and the thousands of people who visit Sunderland's coastline every year.
A place that honours the past now helps safeguard the future.
What made the day even more special was seeing family, friends, colleagues and members of the community come together to celebrate the lives of Hannah and Joanne. A celebration of life was held in their honour, marking what would have been their birthdays and providing an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the impact they had on so many people.
One of the most touching moments of the day was a heartfelt balloon release held in memory of Hannah and Joanne. Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, the balloons were released overlooking the seafront, creating a poignant tribute to two people whose memories continue to live on in the hearts of so many. ❤️🎈
A huge thank you must go to Falstone Court and Falstone Manor Care Home, whose staff, residents, families and supporters worked tirelessly to create a fitting and lasting tribute.
Thank you also to Mike Stubbs, who kindly agreed to host the cabinet at his property, ensuring this lifesaving equipment is available to the wider community in such a prominent and accessible location.
A special thank you must also go to Ben Simpson of Sparkwise Electrical, who kindly carried out the installation of the defibrillator cabinet. Ben's support, professionalism and willingness to get behind the project helped ensure the device was installed safely and to the highest standard, allowing this important community asset to become operational and available to the public.
Special thanks go to Elaine McAllister, who has accepted the role of guardian for the device. Elaine will help ensure the defibrillator remains emergency-ready through regular checks and ongoing monitoring, giving the community confidence that it will be available when it is needed most.
To help ensure the defibrillator remains emergency-ready long into the future, Falstone Court and Falstone Manor Care Home have also agreed to host a MISSEDABEAT charity collection box.
Funds raised through the collection box will be used to support the ongoing upkeep of the device, helping to cover the cost of replacement pads following an activation, new batteries when required, replacement hygiene kits and any other essential maintenance needed to keep the defibrillator available for the community.
Far too many defibrillators across the country become unavailable due to expired consumables or a lack of ongoing maintenance. By putting measures in place from day one, the team have demonstrated their commitment not only to installing the device but also to ensuring it remains emergency-ready for many years to come.
As with all MISSEDABEAT installations, the device has now been fully registered on The Circuit, meaning emergency services can direct callers to the defibrillator during a cardiac arrest when every second counts.
Standing beside the cabinet and looking out across the Sunderland coastline, it was impossible not to reflect on what this installation truly represents.
It is not just a yellow cabinet on a wall.❤️💙
It is hope.❤️💙
It is community.❤️💙
It is remembrance.❤️💙
It is a family's determination to ensure that something positive comes from heartbreak.❤️💙
Most importantly, it is a lasting legacy for Hannah and Joanne that will continue helping others for many years to come.❤️💙
❤️ Remember every heart can MISS A BEAT ❤️
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