A 55-year-old Avanti West Coast employee is in training to participate in a half marathon in Cheshire to raise money that will save lives in his local community.

Mike Lowe, Learning and Development Manager at Avanti West Coast, will be running to raise money for Glossopdale Community Defibs, a local campaign that raising money to buy, install and look after life-saving defibrillators in and around Glossop.

He has been inspired to take part since one of his close friends was saved by a defibrillator in 2022.

Since then, 15 defibrillators have been installed across his local community with one saving a person’s life.

Running is one of Mike’s favourite pastimes, and he will be joining his 32-year-old son as they participate in the Wilmslow Half Marathon, which will take place this Sunday, March 23.

Mike has competed in several running events in the past, with this half marathon marking 15 years since he took part in his first marathon.

He is hoping to raise £1,500 to go towards the upkeep of his local community defibrillator cases.

So far Mike has raised over £1,000 while he has been in training at Avanti West Coast’s Talent Academy in Crewe, where staff have made a mock-up community defibrillator cabinet to act as a donations box.

By taking part in the Half marathon on Sunday, Mike is supporting a good cause that he is most passionate about.

For more details visit Fundraiser by Michael Lowe : Heart to Heart Glossop Defibrillators

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference a defibrillator can make. My friend is still here because a defib saved his life,

I’m proud of the community’s efforts to make the area safer and want the devices to remain accessible so local people can provide instant first aid for those who need it. I hope my fundraising challenge will support this and would like to thank everyone for their donations – they will make a massive difference!”

Mike Lowe

The nationwide campaign to install accessible defibrillators is being taken up by train companies right across the UK, TransPennine Express has installed defibrillators on their trains, while plans to fit every station in Scotland with defibrillators are very much underway.