The event was attended by parents, supporters and members of Lewes Rotary, including Steven Haasz, President of Lewes Rotary Club, and Peter Howard, Youth Officer.
During the evening, cadets demonstrated CPR techniques and the use of the Heart 2 training defibrillator. Rotary members also took part in practical training, supporting the wider aim of increasing community confidence in responding to emergencies.
The donation of the training defibrillator was secured through the efforts of Joan Foord and Andy Foord. The equipment will be used by Ringmer Cadet Group to support CPR and emergency response training, as well as wider first aid awareness sessions for the Lewes community.
Cadets have already begun using the device as part of their regular training. The equipment provides a realistic simulation of defibrillator use during a cardiac arrest, helping young people develop practical skills and confidence in real‑world emergency response.
Steven Haasz, President of Lewes Rotary Club, said “The club has been in Lewes for 102 years, and SJA has been going for 150 years. Both organisations have strong links within the local community. We were really pleased to do something with St John Ambulance, and it’s been great to see young people involved in really positive things.”
Colin Packham MStJ, Network Event Lead with Central Sussex and Ouse Valley Network, said “I'm Honoured to be receiving this on behalf of our Cadet youth group at Ringmer, part of the Central Sussex and Ouse valley Network, this very important heart 2 defib will be used to demonstrate CPR with a training defib to show how effective CPR and AED Deployment are key in how to save a life in the Cadet Group and wider community. Thank you to Lewes Rotary and here's to many more year's associating with each other.”
With the equipment now in regular use, Ringmer Cadet Group is better equipped to deliver practical first aid training and support the next generation of confident lifesavers.
