A LIFESAVING charity has celebrated a milestone anniversary.

Knutsford Community First Responders (KCFRT) was one of the first of its in the UK to set up an emergency team of local residents.

Since the late founder Terry Mitchell launched the charity in 2002, trained volunteers have attended more than 6,000 emergency calls.

Countless lives have been saved.

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Knutsford Guardian: Volunteer Jane Gibbons receives a retirement gift from Adrian Rees, chairman of Knutsford Community First Responder TrustVolunteer Jane Gibbons receives a retirement gift from Adrian Rees, chairman of Knutsford Community First Responder Trust (Image: Knutsford Community First Responder Trust)

People of all ages have also been given lifesaving skills through a series of free sessions.

Adults and children have been shown how to save the life of a cardiac arrest victim.

The charity’s current chairman Adrian Rees said: “We have trained more than 4,000 Knutsford residents through our monthly Heartstart courses.

Knutsford Guardian: Volunteer Geoff Dalton receives a retirement gift from Adrian Rees, chairman of Knutsford Community First Responder TrustVolunteer Geoff Dalton receives a retirement gift from Adrian Rees, chairman of Knutsford Community First Responder Trust (Image: Knutsford Community First Responder Trust)

“We have also installed more than 40 automated external defibrillators throughout the Knutsford community.

“We have heart screened more than 600 young adults to diagnose undetected heart issues.

A special 20th anniversary celebration was held at Heyrose Golf Club, which sponsored the charity throughout 2022 with a range of fundraising events.

Knutsford Guardian: From left, Beulah Cornes, Adrian Rees, Dave Thomas, Paula Martin, Pat Heath, Clive Heath and Pete Thompson at the 20th anniversary celebrationFrom left, Beulah Cornes, Adrian Rees, Dave Thomas, Paula Martin, Pat Heath, Clive Heath and Pete Thompson at the 20th anniversary celebration (Image: Knutsford Community First Responder Trust)

Founder Terry Mitchell’s wife Jean was guest of honour.

Adrian said: “We thanked everyone for their unbelievable, voluntary support over the last 20 years to saving lives in the Knutsford community.

“We look forward to continuing this for the next 20 years and beyond.

“However, we can only do that by new volunteers coming forward to join the trust.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer lifesaver can email adrianrees@heartstartknutsford.co.uk