HSP Raise Over £1000 for New Defibrillator Machine
Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Hosts Successful Charity Rowathon in support of Hearts For Herts Charity

On Thursday 30th January 2025, the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) hosted their annual Charity Rowathon at Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield, raising vital funds for Hearts for Herts, a charity dedicated to providing life-saving training and equipment across Hertfordshire. The event was a resounding success, surpassing its fundraising and rowing targets; raising £1,078 and rowing 126km collectively.
Throughout the day, HSP staff, friends, and special guests took turns rowing to support the cause. Opening the event, HSP were joined by Quintin McKellar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire. Later the Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Jim Brown, and High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster JP, also joined the rowing and fundraising efforts.
In addition to the Rowathon, participants had the opportunity to practice CPR on interactive learning equipment provided by Hearts for Herts. This hands-on experience is part of the charity’s ‘Heartstart Lifesaver’ course, which equips individuals with free essential life-saving skills, including CPR and defibrillator use.
The funds raised will provide a solar-powered defibrillator to be placed in a hard-to-reach area of Hertfordshire. On the day, sponsors voted for where the defibrillator would be placed with Lee Valley Regional Park in Broxbourne being the most popular suggested location. Other areas that Hearts for Herts plan to support include Panshanger Park in Hertford and Ellenbrook Fields in Hatfield. Placing solar and wind powered defibrillators in hard-to-reach locations improves lifesaving outcomes for residents using green and remote spaces where ambulances and first responders would struggle to attend within the target time of 7 minutes.
Justin Honey-Jones, Director of Hearts for Herts said “I would like to express my appreciation for the determination and generosity of everyone at the event. Every pound and penny makes a huge difference to our lifesaving work in ensuring lifesaving defibrillators and bleed control kits are available to all 24/7. We are delighted that Hertfordshire will now have another lifesaving defibrillator.”
Hearts for Herts' mission is to ensure more people are trained and ready to respond in emergency situations, ultimately improving survival rates across Hertfordshire. To date, they have achieved 108 defibrillators and 350 bleed control kits being rolled out across Hertfordshire and over 1000 participants on their free Heartstart Lifesaver course.
HSP extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the event.
For more information about Hearts for Herts and their life-saving initiatives, please visit www.heartsforherts.co.uk.
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