A Defibrillator has been installed on a house in Easthill in memory of a former army veteran who lived there.
The AED defibrillator is available for public use and has been installed to honour James Wilfred Ellis, who lived in the house with his daughter Bridget and son-in-law, Andrew, until he died aged 102 on 10th December 2023.
Andrew reports it could be the first defibrillator that has been installed in a domestic setting for public use.
“It is also an interesting idea for people who want to remember a loved one after they have passed,” explained Andrew.
James hailed from Keighley in West Yorkshire and was conscripted into the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in World War II. He was later sent to Llandudno for further gunnery training and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major.
“He then went on to work as a printer and became a volunteer for 23 years at Airedale Hospital, close to where he lived. He volunteered until he was 93 years old,” says Andrew.
“He was one of the first AIDS counsellors in the UK in 1986 when he worked for AIDS Line, Bradford and provided advice, information, discussion and support for anyone concerned about the impact of a new viral infection that we now call HIV. This was part of Bradford’s health promotion. He printed health-related leaflets for the health authority at their printers in Shipley in West Yorkshire.”
After moving to Frome, James celebrated his 100th birthday at the Walled Garden in Mells with the then owner Dr Sam Evans, the Right Honourable Clare Oxford-Asquith of Mells Manor and Estate, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Shwebomin of Burma, and close friends and neighbours.
The defibrillator was installed by Frome-based company Kennedy Electrical and has been registered with the South Western Ambulance Service.
“It is truly inspiring to hear about his incredible life, his contributions during the war and his dedication to volunteering and helping others,” says Ian Kennedy from Kennedy Electrical. “It’s clear he was a man of great character, deeply respected by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“It was an honour to install the AED defibrillator in his memory. This gesture is a fitting tribute to such a selfless individual and one that has the potential to save lives in the Frome community. This legacy is far more impactful than a park bench, offering the community both a reminder of James’ incredible life and a tool that can make a real difference in times of need.”
Local people in the area are going to be given the opportunity to learn how to use the defibrillator through a course with Mini First Aid Dorset and East Somerset.
Ross Murray from Mini First Aid Dorset and East Somerset said, “I met Andrew online when he shared the installation of the AED on the house and people started asking where other AEDs in the area are. I responded to help them find them.
“While we offer various types of first aid courses, from workplace qualifications to short awareness courses, with the installation at Easthill we will be offering the residents in the area a short course on how to use it, in case they or their neighbours need to use it one day.
“Andrew will be speaking to his neighbours to find interested parties and get a list together. Once that is sorted, we’ll arrange a date that suits everyone and we’ll deliver it to them.”
Pictured: Andrew with Ross from Mini First Aid Dorset and East Somerset
