Generous Brightlingsea folk have donated so much money to the town’s Community First Responders that they’ve made an unusual request – consider supporting another worthy cause.

While most voluntary groups are always looking for funds, the Responders say they have more than enough cash for their running costs, and the purchase of more of the public defibrillators that they have placed around the town – the 20th will soon be up and running.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to us and has helped to put us on such a strong financial footing,” said the Responders’ co-ordinator Steve Houston, pictured. “The support we receive is amazing, whether it be words of encouragement and thanks from patients and their families or the financial support we have been privileged to receive. We are very proud to be so well thought-of in our community.”

He added: “In addition to the numerous generous donations we have received from the families of people we have helped over the years, we have received some very large donations from local businesses and organisations which have secured our funding needs for the foreseeable future. We just want to make it known that the generosity of the people of Brightlingsea has put us in such a strong position that we would be very happy to see other good causes benefit for now.”

Mr Houston suggested that anyone considering making a donation could give to local worthy causes or the East of England Ambulance Service Charity, which funds some of the Responders’ equipment and provides training and logistics support (details below). He was keen to stress that all of the money the Responders have already been given, as well as any specific future donations, will be spent on the team’s activities and stay in the town.

• When making a donation to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity   add the reference number R109 to the online payment, or the back of a cheque. That way it will be recorded as having been made in recognition of the Brightlingsea Responders.