Dabbers Dash to put heart health in focus at Barony Park

Publicity photo - participants at a previous Dash (1)

Residents in Nantwich are being encouraged to wear red, learn a life-saving skill and move together for heart health as Dabbers Dash marks UK Heart Month tomorrow (February 21st).

The free monthly run, walk or wheel — led by Paul McIntyre — takes place around Barony Park once a month.

And tomorrow it will feature a special CPR and defibrillator awareness demonstration delivered by local care provider Right at Home South Cheshire before participants set off.

From 8.45am, representatives Tilly and Tina will host a short, practical session beside the public-access defibrillator located on the old toilet block, near the 3G pitch, close to the Dabbers Dash start point.

Using a CPR training dummy, they will demonstrate:
• How to perform effective chest compressions
• How a defibrillator works
• Where defibrillator pads should be placed
• What to expect in an emergency situation

Participants will also be invited to practise CPR.

The demonstration will conclude shortly after the Dash begins at around 9am.

Although the defibrillator in Barony Park is clearly visible, organisers say many residents admit they would feel unsure about using it in an emergency.

Public-access defibrillator at Barony Park (1) — Public-access defibrillator at Barony Park

The aim is to turn something people walk past every day into something they feel confident using.

Paul McIntyre, founder of Dabbers Dash, said: “I want this to be practical and reassuring. These devices are designed to guide you step-by-step.

“A short demonstration can remove fear and replace it with confidence. That confidence could one day save a life.”

Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double a person’s chance of survival following a cardiac arrest.

Participants are being encouraged to wear red in support of heart health awareness, creating a visible show of community solidarity across the park.

Runners and walkers will be signposted to the British Heart Foundation’s free ‘RevivR’ online CPR course — a 15-minute digital session teaching CPR and defibrillator use using just a mobile phone and a cushion at home.

Residents are invited to arrive from 8.45am on Saturday 21st February at Barony Park to take part in the CPR demonstration before joining the Dash at 9am.

For further information on the Dabbers Dash, join the Facebook group.