Defibrillator Installed at Yellow Wellies Nursery Thanks to Community Effort and MISSEDABEAT Donation

A new defibrillator and cabinet have been installed at Yellow Wellies Nursery in Bishop Auckland, following a heartwarming community fundraising initiative triggered by a recent medical emergency involving one of the children. The incident highlighted the urgent need for life-saving equipment on site, sparking a swift and compassionate response from parents, staff, and the wider community.

The child involved suffers from spina bifida and hydrocephalus (shunt) due to water on her brain, a serious condition that requires ongoing care and puts her at increased risk during medical emergencies. The situation underscored the importance of having rapid access to a defibrillator.

Children/staff from Yellow Wellies showing there support for MISSEDABEAT

The installation was made possible with the support of local joiner Gav Brown of C & A Joinery, who generously volunteered his time to ensure the cabinet was installed quickly and professionally. Thanks to his help, the defibrillator is now fully emergency-ready and accessible on site.

Big Thank you to Gave from G&A Joinery

The nursery had launched a fundraising appeal asking for raffle prizes and cash contributions to raise money for a defibrillator. The response was overwhelming — more than 60 prizes were donated towards the raffle, helping to raise a staggering £580.

During the campaign, Mark from MISSEDABEAT, a local charity committed to supplying life-saving defibrillators, saw a social media post about the appeal. While away with friends, he was tagged in the post and immediately reached out to the nursery.

“I saw that a young child who suffers from seizures might need a defibrillator, and I knew I had to act,” Mark explained. “We wanted to take away the stress of fundraising and ensure the children had access to this vital equipment straight away.”

Thanks to MISSEDABEAT’s donation of the defibrillator, the funds raised by Yellow Wellies Nursery will now be re-donated to the charity, enabling them to continue their support of individuals, sports teams, and organisations in need.

Parents and community members have expressed their appreciation not only for the donation but also for the nursery’s commitment to safety and preparedness. While specific reviews of the defibrillator appeal are limited, the nursery consistently receives praise for its dedication, hard-working staff, and prioritisation of children's well-being. The defibrillator initiative has only further highlighted their proactive approach to child safety.

Yellow Wellies Manager Sam with Mark from MISSEDABEAT

This project reflects a growing awareness across the childcare sector of the importance of having a defibrillator on site. Although not yet a legal requirement in UK nurseries, many, like Yellow Wellies, are taking the lead in ensuring they are prepared for emergencies. Having such a device readily available can significantly increase survival chances in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, even among children.

Keeping you on your feet with MISSEDABEAT

Mark and Gav were welcomed by staff, children, and parents during the installation, creating a powerful moment of community spirit and shared purpose. The presence of the defibrillator now stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when a community rallies together for the safety and well-being of its children.