A SECOND defibrillator has been installed in Weardale thanks to a family-founded memorial fund.

The life-saving equipment was paid for by the David Nelson Memorial Fund which was launched by the builder's family and friends after he died waiting for an ambulance after suffering a heart attack on January 3.

The fund aims to install defibrillators up and down the dale should somebody suffer a heart attack in the area and need one.

The first was installed near his home at Hill End near Frosterley and one has now also been fitted on the wall of Frosterley Village Hall.

This coincided with the drawing of the fund’s grand raffle at the Centenary Celebration of Frosterley Angling Club, which raised more than £4,000.

Dozens of prizes were donated from across the North-East including leisure and activity passes and a signed running vest from world sprint champion Richard Kilty.

Mr Nelson’s daughter Gillian Hutchinson thanked everyone who donated prizes and bought and sold tickets.

She said a further three defibrillators have been ordered for Wolsingham, Stanhope and Eastgate.

Users don’t have to be medically trained to use the equipment, but with the support of the North East Ambulance Service, the David Nelson Memorial Fund is holding awareness sessions in Weardale to give members of the public the confidence to use them.

To support the fund or to find out more about the defibrillator awareness sessions contact Gillian on 07779-050321 or Linda on 01388-528202.