A Defibrillator for Our Community

At Wollens, we believe in supporting our community, not just through legal services, but by taking meaningful action where it matters most.

We’re proud to announce that a defibrillator has now been installed at our North Devon office in Roundswell, available for public use should anyone ever need it. This initiative was driven by our desire to support the community and driven by the personal experience of Laura Lockwood, Trainee Solicitor at Wollens, whose personal experience highlights just how vital these devices can be.

Laura tells us :

“As terrible as it is, I had never really paid much attention to defibrillators prior to January 2024. Now it’s one of the first things I consider whenever we go anywhere. Less than 8% of people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest—every second is critical. My husband, at only 40 years old, became part of that 8%.”

On 16 January 2024, while at work, she received the call no one ever wants to get, her husband was having a heart attack. After a 90-minute journey to the hospital, she learned he had gone into cardiac arrest. It took three shocks from a defibrillator to bring him back. He was placed in a coma, and after eight long days, he woke up.

“We are very lucky. He’s made an amazing recovery. Some things are different now, but he’s back working, living, and being a dad to our two girls.”

This experience inspired her to propose installing a defibrillator at our office, right in the heart of Roundswell. We agreed without hesitation.

From writing the proposal to seeing it installed gives me a huge sense of pride. Turning a traumatic experience into something positive. Hopefully it never needs to be used—but if one life is saved, it’s been worth it.”

The defibrillator is now registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, and linked to South West Ambulance Service. It’s housed in a secure external cabinet and available 24/7.

We’ve also arranged training for our staff and volunteers to ensure confidence in using the device if needed.

📍 Location: Wollens Solicitors, Avery House, Liberty Road, Barnstaple, EX31 3TL
📞 Contact: 01271 342 268 | info@wollens.co.uk

We hope it’s never needed—but if it is, it’s here, ready to help save a life.