A new public‑access defibrillator has been unveiled in Highbridge this week thanks to a fundraising campaign by the Highbridge and Burnham‑On‑Sea Food Pantry.
The community‑run group raised £1,700 through donations given in exchange for low‑cost surplus food, helping to fund both the device and eight years of ongoing support.
The new defibrillator has been fitted outside Burnham Stores at 145 Burnham Road, Highbridge along with a bleed‑control kit.
The pantry sells £5 weekly bags of low-cost food to local households, aiming to reduce food waste while supporting families on tight budgets.
The new device has been added to the national defibrillator database, ensuring emergency services can direct people to it quickly.
A pantry spokesperson said: “We are delighted to have raised enough for the purchase of such an important piece of life‑saving equipment. We hope it never needs to be used, but it is reassuring to know it’s there.”
Launched in 2022, the pantry is a partnership between Burnham Baptist Church and Morland Community Hub, and is based at Trowbridge Close Community Hall. Volunteers now help around 90 families each week.
The fundraising effort was supported by a range of community activities, including the pantry’s regular sessions and local bingo events. The group says it hopes the new equipment will provide extra reassurance for residents and visitors in the town.
