Life-saving support for charity

A first aid at work course changed the life of Chesterfield banker Ian Boston. He was so impressed by what he learned that he became a volunteer for St John Ambulance Walton Division.

Raised more than £3,000

Now he is not only trained to be the difference between a life saved and a life lost, but has also given valuable support to the local community by helping to raise more than £3,000 to buy life-saving equipment.

Ian, who works in HSBC's credit risk services department in Sheffield, joined other volunteers in a sponsored resuscitation event – and roped in colleagues Kenny Miller and Stuart Lindsay to help too. The exercise, which took place at SJA county headquarters in Derby Road, Chesterfield, raised a total of £1,866.

Now HSBC has contributed match-funding of £500 for each of the three employees who took part. Ian has presented a cheque for £1,500 to SJA trainer Wendy Rushby, bringing the total raised by the event to more than £3,000.

Ian said: ‘I went on a first aid at work course and Wendy was training. I asked her how I could get involved and ended up in Walton Division. Now I can practise my first aid skills every week and also use them when we're on duty at events.’

Wendy thanked HSBC for their support. She added: ‘We train dozens of people every week, so it's really rewarding when someone is inspired to actually sign up and join us.

‘St John Ambulance relies on local donations to fund its work in the community and we were thrilled to raise such a large sum at the sponsored event. Now this funding has almost doubled that total and we're very grateful to Ian and the HSBC.’