THE Dorset Doddlers running club have invested in a new piece of kit – and one they hope will never be used.
They have taken delivery of a new defibrillator and 12 members have completed basic training on how to use the device, along with CPR training.
The club have bought the same model as used by Parkrun across the country. The defibrillator is light weight and self-contained in its own carry bag, making it very portable, ideal for a running club.

As the trainees found out, it is very easy to use and guides users each step of the way in an emergency.
One member of the Doddlers committee who attended the training said: “We are finally back to normality in the club after Covid-19. Each year we organise local races such as the Sturminster Half, North Dorset Village Marathon, Wessex Ridgeway and the Stickler.
“With any profits we always make generous donations to local causes. This year we asked our members who helped organise the races for suggestions and the club defib was mentioned.
“We all thought what a fantastic idea, and although we hope it is never used, the cost of the defib compared to potentially saving a life is priceless.”
The Doddlers hold sessions weekly on Mondays for their C25K in Sturminster, Tuesdays in Shaftesbury, Thursdays in Sturminster, along with organising and supporting many local races and social runs.

The device will be kept with the club and will be taken to all Doddler and Doddler supported events.