The Colchester branch asked for donations for a prize draw and as a result enough money was raised to buy the life saving equipment.

The generosity of suppliers and customers has helped Kent Blaxill buy a community defibrillator.

A draw was organised by Julie Saunders, Kent Blaxill Service Manager at its Colchester branch, after she saw a family member die at the age of 48 from a heart attack, while her son suffered a heart attack at the age of 23.

Saunders' determination to help others and potentially save someone’s life has driven her to raise enough money for the Kent Blaxill community defibrillator, for use by everyone in the community and more importantly staff and customers of all ages.

James Park, MD, said: “We are always willing to work with the community where we can, this was a great opportunity to provide something that will save lives.”

Kent Blaxill is a long-established family firm in the East of England, with over 180 years’ trading in the building and decorating merchant sector.