Our 12-hour non-stop CPR- a-thon will take place between 8am and 8pm, and teams or individuals are invited to get pressing for sponsorship — whether it’s a few minutes, or a team effort for the full 12 hours!

We’re inviting local businesses, community groups and schools to join the doctors and nurses from Airedale Hospital to learn how to give CPR whilst raising funds for our Emergency Department Appeal. The appeal aims to raise £150,000 in 2024 to help to refurbish the paediatric waiting area, the paediatric resuscitation area, and the bereavement facilities, which have become worn after being in use for nine years.

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency procedure that consists of chest compressions to a person in cardiac arrest to keep blood pumping around the body until emergency services arrive. Knowing how to give CPR can save lives, and the CPR-a-thon is a wonderful opportunity to learn and practice this vital life-saving skill.

Local digital radio station Rombalds Radio is supporting the CPR-a-thon and will be broadcasting from the event on the day.

Founder and Rombalds Radio breakfast show presenter Stuart Clarkson said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Airedale Charity and the Emergency Department on this event. It’s set to be a really fun day where people can come and learn how to perform CPR as well as raising funds for a great cause. I’m looking forward to having a go myself and providing updates to our listeners on the challenge and the fundraising.”

Laura Hepworth, Community Fundraiser for Airedale Hospital and Community Charity, said:

“We are so excited to host this event and bring the local community together for our Emergency Department, and it’s thanks to Morrisons in Skipton that we can make it happen.

“We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with Rombalds Radio, who are long-time supporters of ours, and we think this is a fantastic opportunity for the public to learn life-saving skills with our experts from our ED while raising money for a great cause at their local hospital.”

Nicola Denbow, Matron of Airedale Hospital’s Emergency Department, said:

“Since the Airedale Emergency Department Appeal launched, support has come pouring in from all angles. It’s been really heart-warming to see the love that our local community has for our hospital.

“The reason I came to the Charity with this idea is because I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to spread awareness of the importance of our appeal, and to demonstrate how our team works and what goes into saving lives.”

If you would like to know more about the CPR-a-thon and how to get involved, please contact the us at ahsft.charity@nhs.net or by telephone at 01535 294870.