Olympian Nicola Wilson was among those to welcome the purchase of a life-saving defibrillator at a North Yorkshire equestrian centre.
Nicola an Olympic silver medalist and world and European team gold medallist, suffered a serious neck injury at Badminton Horse Trials several months ago. She visited Richmond Equestrian Centre last Friday to support the launch of the defibrillator, along with Dr Nicola Schaible, from Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Abigail Turnbull, from Richmond Equestrian Centre, said she was extremely grateful for their presence at the launch.
“Hopefully we will never need to use the defibrillator, but it’s something we have been saving up for, for a while, and it’s just nice to know it’s there and can be accessed by anyone at or near to the centre,” she added.
Dr Nicola Schaible, Nicola Wilson and Abigail Turnbull at Richmond Equestrian Centre Picture: TRACY KIDD PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr Schaible, who works in accident and emergency at Darlington Memorial, and is trauma doctor at many of the cross country events run by Richmond Equestrian Centre, said: “It is a real asset to Richmond Equestrian Centre and the surrounding area to have a defibrillator. It is particularly important in rural communities and even more so given the existing pressures on the ambulance service.
"Out of hospital arrests have a much better prognosis if defibrillation is indicated and an appropriate device is used in a timely manner. It is also vital to have appropriate first aid on site, something I know that Andrew and Abigail Turnbull take seriously at Richmond Equestrian Centre."
In addition to the defibrillator, CPR and Automated External Defibrillation training will be arranged at the centre.
Andrew added: “The defibrillator has been purchased thanks to people attending events at Richmond Equestrian Centre, so all our supporters should thank themselves for helping to purchase this potentially life-saving piece of equipment."
The centre also celebrated another achievement last week, by being voted Event Venue of the Year 2022 by the Equestrian Business Awards.
Abigail Turnbull with the award at Richmond Equestrian Centre Picture: TRACY KIDD PHOTOGRAPHY
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