Defibrillator gets home aboard the Mary Sunley 2 thanks to Bloor Homes
As part of an ongoing initiative, Bloor Homes has donated a defibrillator to the Mary Sunley Canal Boat Trust.
The donation is part of the new homes developer’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) initiative, which sees defibrillators gifted to local communities across the company’s North West region whenever a new development is complete.
Andrew Ward, Construction Director for Bloor Homes North West, said: “Having recently finished our Kingswood development at Poynton, we contacted Poynton Town Council to ask where a defibrillator was needed. It just so happened that the Mary Sunley Canal Boat Trust was looking for one, so it was perfect timing. We’re really pleased that it will support the charity and that it will serve to reassure both passengers and crew on board the canal boat.”
Andy Altree, Chairman of the Mary Sunley Trust said “A huge thank you goes to Bloor Homes for donating the defibrillator, and to Poynton Town Council for their joined-up thinking, knowing we were looking for one and that one would soon be available. The equipment will always provide comfort and security to all who use the canal boat.”
The first Mary Sunley boat was launched in 1980, with the financial support of the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation, itself founded in 1960 by Bernard, a self-made and successful entrepreneur. His vision was to support disadvantaged people and groups, an ethos which the Mary Sunley Canal Boat Trust has followed by providing trips for many, including those from care homes, stroke and dementia groups, and many others with special needs.
Now in its fifth decade the Trust has continued its aim of promoting social and health well-being for many with its Macclesfield Canal cruises; originally with Mary Sunley, named after Bernard’s wife and from 2013 with the replacement Mary Sunley 2 which is based at Higher Poynton.
The Trust can call on any of its 46 volunteers, which includes 16 qualified skippers to operate Mary Sunley 2 which has space for 12 passengers, 4 of whom can be wheelchair users. The Trust prioritises the elderly and those with special needs during weekdays but it is also available for others when booking space permits. Currently the cost is £120 per trip, which is subsidised by donations and fund-raising efforts. More information can be found on www.marysunley.co.uk. The new defibrillator is a welcome addition to the Mary Sunley 2.
While the Kingswood development at Poynton is now complete, Bloor Homes is currently building its Foxcote development at Cheadle. More information can be found at www.bloorhomes.com