Faith in the Home: St Carlo Acutis
September 8, 2025
Parishioners at St John of the Cross Catholic Church in Aylsham have welcomed the installation of a new defibrillator, generously donated by the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA).
The STA, the world’s largest swimming teaching body and one of the UK’s leading authorities in lifesaving, first aid and pool safety, presented the defibrillator to the parish at a special handover ceremony.
Fr Peter Raj, Parish Priest, received the device on behalf of the parishioners from John Holden, STA Tutor and North Norfolk Vikings Swimming Coach. Mr Holden emphasised the vital importance of having such equipment readily available:
“Defibs can make all the difference in a life and death situation. Unfortunately, some people believe you have to be qualified to use one. This is not the case.”
Until now, the nearest defibrillator was almost a kilometre away – a delay that could prove critical in the event of a cardiac arrest. Parishioner and Chair of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, North Walsham, Parish Pastoral Council, Fran Ludden, expressed her gratitude:
“We would like to thank the trustees of the STA for their kind generosity. Having a defib on site will eliminate any delay should there be an incident.”
To ensure parishioners are confident in using the equipment, the parish has already hosted three CPR and defibrillator training workshops, all led by Mr Holden. Another session is planned for September.
Encouraging wider community involvement, Mr Holden added:
“I would urge the public to come forward to learn CPR and have a look at how to use a defibrillator.”
The new device is now available at St John of the Cross, offering reassurance and potentially lifesaving support for both parishioners and the wider Aylsham community.
