‘Biker nights’ at an animal park near Lancaster have helped to pay for a piece of potentially lifesaving equipment.
Staff, supporters and motorbike-based visitors to the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, just outside Milnthorpe, have raised funds for a defibrillator, that will be unveiled next month.
Starting in March this year, HSE Officer Leon Cooper and Business Manager Ruth Cooper, both keen motorcyclists, alongside Zoo Managers Dan Eccles and LeaAnne Cooper have been hosting regular Tuesday evening “biker nights”.
All donations received for refreshment, as well as zoo tours went towards combined conservation, community and zoo initiatives.
Now a potentially lifesaving defibrillator, bought from the funds raised, will be unveiled in a special end-of-season meet on Tuesday October 10.
Listed on the ambulance map, it will be available to the public for emergency assistance 24/7.
“Thanks to our accessible location and facilities, we’ve always had people using the zoo as a meeting place and refreshment stop, like local bikers who regularly call in for weekend breakfasts,” says Ruth.
“When we trialled extending it into safe, comfortable evening socials, it snowballed beyond all expectations.
‘’This piece of vital community lifesaving equipment is wonderful proof of everyone’s generosity.
”The defibrillator will be unveiled by a special guest and representatives from the North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Association, who volunteer to transport lifesaving clinical supplies across the UK.
With plans already in place to resume the nights in 2024, a portion of remaining funds will be employed this autumn in a very special conservation project at the zoo.
“It’s still a closely-guarded secret,” added Ruth.
“But it’s something we’ll be very excited to share with our fantastic supporters and visitors shortly. Like the defibrillator, it’s potentially lifesaving- this time for an endangered animal species- and very close to our hearts!”
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
Highest Point team 'excited' for sunny weekend as prep continues ahead of Lancaster festival
New Friends group officially formed to support popular Morecambe music venue
"Overwhelming support" as award-winning Lancaster bakery announces shock closure
