A police force in the North East has clubbed together and raised enough money to install a defibrillator in their community - in an effort to help a severely ill little girl. 

22-month-old Beatrix was taken ill in May, and had to undergo major surgery, as it was discovered she is suffering from heart failure. She is currently awaiting a heart transplant at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital. 

She is the daughter of Sgt Terry Archbold, who works within the Stanley Neighbourhood Beat Team. 

A team of Terry's colleagues from Stanley Police raised over £3,000 for the Red Sky Foundation, with some of this money going towards the installation of a defibrillator outside of Stanley Civic Hall. 

Money was donated to the Red Sky Foundation, which works to help North East babies and children with cardiac problems, and has installed over 110 defibrillators in communities across the North East.

The Northern Echo: 22-month-old Beatrix is awaiting a heart transplant. Picture: Beatrix Heart Journey 22-month-old Beatrix is awaiting a heart transplant. Picture: Beatrix Heart Journey (Image: Beatrix Heart Journey)

Read more: Appeal to find County Durham toddler Beatrix Archbold a new heart

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Terry Archbold said: "My little girl is waiting for a heart transplant, which is what kicked the fundraising off." 

"Beatrix fell ill in May, when she was 15 months old, and the only way that she will be able to come home from Freemans Hospital is if she has a heart transplant."

Hearing of Beatrix's illness, and the difficulties that are faced by cardiac patients in the North East, officers from Stanley Police organised sponsored activities and fundraising events to help.

"All through Beatrix's illness, my colleagues and Durham Police have been brilliant. As soon as they found out, they wanted to fundraise for the charities that help us."

Officers who work in the Stanley and Consett community have climbed Ben Nevis, done a sponsored march to Freemans Hospital, and collected on behalf of the Red Sky Foundation. 

Through collaboration with Stanley Town Council, Terry and the team of fundraisers had a defibrillator placed outside Stabley Civic Hall - a key location for the community, which is far from other defibs in the town. 

The Northern Echo: Fundraisers have worked hard to support the Red Sky foundation. Picture: Stanley PoliceFundraisers have worked hard to support the Red Sky foundation. Picture: Stanley Police (Image: Stanley Police)

Read more: Hero County Durham copper has agonising wait for ill daughter's new heart

Terry said: "It just seemed like the thing to do - to give back to the community. The whole thing is absolutely brilliant and a potential way to save lives."

The founder of the Red Sky Foundation, Sergio Petrucci said: "The Stanley defibrillator was deployed within days of it being installed, which demonstrates the importance of our work helping to give others the best chance of surviving a medical emergency."

Terry's family are also keen to raise awareness about child organ donation, campaigning tirelessly for more people to consider it an option. 

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