A Staffordshire-based charity has received the highest award for volunteer groups in the UK after almost ten years of delivering life-saving training across the country.

AEDdonate was given The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its incredible work to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and teach people how to deliver CPR and use a defibrillator.

The charity, which employs 18 staff across five sites and 104 volunteers, is one of 262 charities, youth groups and museums across the UK to be recognised for their outstanding work.

The award, which was launched in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, shines a light on the fantastic work of volunteer groups who are making a big difference in their local community.

Jamie Richards, AEDdonate’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are beyond thrilled to receive this prestigious award. It fills us with pride that we deliver our work to a standard high enough to be recognised by the Royal Family.”

The charity has been able to expand its offering after receiving a grant of £67,000 from Severn Trent, through its Community Fund.

The money has paid for an additional ten defibrillators for the community, CPR manikins and enabled the charity to expand its outreach programme through the use of an educational van.

It means the life-saving training can be taken to businesses and city centres to raise awareness and host drop-in sessions where people can ask questions, find out where their nearest defibrillator is and try their hand at doing CPR.

Mr Richards added: “The funding from Severn Trent has allowed us to expand our service in all areas which simply would not have been possible without the money.

“The volunteer scheme has increased, the vehicle has enabled us to attend more events and engage with many more communities than ever before and we are incredibly grateful to Severn Trent for making that happen.”

Jade Gough, from Severn Trent’s Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted that AEDdonate has been recognised for its amazing work within local communities.

“Offering people this training and access to a defibrillator could save so many lives and we’re delighted that our Community Fund has helped the charity expand its offering and reach more people across the county and beyond.”

If you would like more information about community defibrillators, Basic Life Support training, and defibrillator maintenance, please contact AEDdonate on 01785 472226 or email info@aeddonate.org.uk

For more information on the Severn Trent Community Fund and to find out how to make an application visit: www.stwater.co.uk/communityfund