AN Alcester woman who has campaigned to get defibrillators fitted throughout the town, has been shortlisted in a national award scheme to celebrate Everyday Heroes.

Ann Delany was nominated in the First Aid Champion category of My Weekly magazine’s Everyday Heroes awards, for her work making Alcester the first ‘Heartsafe’ community.

Ms Delany came to the cause when her brother suffered a cardiac arrest 15 years ago, which left him brain damaged. She was diagnosed with the same inherited heart disorder, which made her susceptible to irregular heartbeats, and subsequently had an internal cardio-verter defibrillator fitted to prevent her from going into cardiac arrest.

She has gone on to campaign for an Automated External Defibrilator (AED) to be fitted at her daughter’s school, raising money for its purchase and installation, before expanding the fundraising to buy and install AEDs at seven locations around Alcester, including the four schools which didn’t already have AEDs, the football and rugby clubs, and the high street.

Five of the AEDS are publically accessible 24 hours a day in case of emergency.

Ms Delaney said: “I am so pleased that St John Ambulance has recognised what has been a great community effort in raising awareness of the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in the young. The willingness of people to raise funds and learn how to use the equipment has been truly inspiring and I am proud to have been a part of it.”

Sue Killen, chief executive of St John Ambulance, added: “This year’s finalists have some truly remarkable stories to tell. It’s wonderful to be able to recognise the Everyday Heroes who are saving lives and encouraging others to do the same, and I hope they inspire others to learn first aid so they, too, can be the difference between life and death.

“We can’t wait to welcome these deserving nominees on the evening and show our appreciation for their selfless efforts.”

Ms Delaney will now be going down to London for the Everyday Heroes awards ceremony, presented by Tess Daly on March 26, and people can still vote for her to win the First Aid Champion award at sja.org.uk/everydayheroes.