Ashdown Forest Officials Express Sadness After Defibrillator Vandalism

Officials at Ashdown Forest have voiced their sadness following the destruction of a defibrillator by vandals. This crucial piece of life-saving equipment was removed from the Ashdown Forest Centre at Wych Cross, near Forest Row, last week. It was taken from the visitor centre’s car park and subsequently discovered discarded on a nearby roadside. Mark Pearson, chief executive of Ashdown Forest, stated: “Defibrillators are costly, life-saving pieces of equipment, and we are saddened to have received this report.” According to St John Ambulance, the installation cost for defibrillators can range from £800 to £2,500. A temporary replacement device has already been secured. Mr Pearson further added: “We are enormously grateful to the Crowborough Community First Responders who have acted with incredible speed to provide and fit a temporary defibrillator.” The defibrillator, which had been installed almost two years ago, was funded by The Friends of Ashdown Forest and East Grinstead Memorial Estates.