THE village of Exbourne has been given a lifesaving gift this Christmas thanks to the fundraising efforts of inspiring 12-year-old resident, Joel Sawyer.

Following a visit to the Dartmoor Safety Day in Lydford two years ago, where he learned about what defibrillators are and what they are used for, Joel thought his rural community would benefit from one and began fundraising.

After two years of hard work, Joel has completed his mission and the official unveiling of the new lifesaving device took place at The Burrow community shop and cafe on Tuesday evening (December 20).

As well as putting his birthday and Christmas money towards the fund, Joel chatted to his local WI group, church group, and also arranged a sponsored bike ride.

Donned in his best shirt Joel attended an Exbourne WI meeting where he told the group of his fundraising endeavours. The ladies decided to help Joel by creating a cook book from which they sold and gave profits to the defibrillator fund.

Last Christmas the church also helped Joel’s cause by hosting a special music concert.

Back in June Joel undertook a 34-mile sponsored cycle ride along the Tarka Trail from Meeth to Braunton. The weather was not kind to Joel, but his spirits were high and he was fully supported by mum Angie, dad Mark and little brother Joshua, 8, who kept up moral.

Joel’s fundraising has resulted in a defibrillator being made available to residents of and visitors to Exbourne as the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) were so impressed with Joel’s efforts that they pledged to install the device.

The official unveiling of the defibrillator was accompanied by an awareness session run by the South Western Ambulance Service and held at the village hall.

The session enabled Exbourne residents to learn how to use the device. Information about maintaining the defibrillator, along with the importance of CPR was also included.

Members of the Responder team from South Western Ambulance Service attended the unveiling to deliver the training to residents.

The lead responder officer for SWASFT, Rich Buckley, is delighted that Joel’s fundraising efforts have led to a lifesaving device being available in another of Devon’s rural communities.

He said: ‘I would like to sincerely thank Joel and acknowledge his efforts. Every second counts when someone is in cardiac arrest and defibrillators often save lives. I would encourage anyone who doesn’t have one in their local community to get in touch with us, so we can advise how to go about getting one installed.’

Joel’s mother, Angie Sawyer, was extremely proud of her son’s fundraising efforts: ‘I am really pleased that a defibrillator will be available in Exbourne and so proud of Joel for his commitment and determination which has made it possible.

‘He’s truly a wonderful young man and we are so proud of what he has achieved. We’d like to say a special to the The Burrow, who have been so supportive, and also a huge thanks to the WI, the church and everyone else who has helped Joel with his fundraising.’