Many people living in the local area have good reason to be grateful to the Ross-on-Wye Community First Responders. They are often the first emergency response for people in distress, due to illness or an accident.

Community First Responders are volunteers who are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level to provide lifesaving treatment to people in their local communities.

Although the Ambulance Service provides all the training and the loan of medical equipment, CFRs have to become involved in a variety of fundraising events to support their work. Tom Dudziec, H&W CFR Ross Co-ordinator, told the Gazette that currently they are looking to raise funds to pay for the new vehicle livery.

Tom explained that due to legislation changes they are required to change the livery to the new style, which is very distinctive.

However, this is at their own expense and the Ross-on-Wye CFRs are looking for donations to assist with covering the cost.

Whilst they are constantly fundraising to help the scheme run, they feel that an extra push for donations is needed to raise the money for this change. It will cost approximately £1,200-£1,300 to complete the work needed. There are a variety of ways to donate.

This can be directly to them, by contacting them through social media or email at [email protected]

They have also set up an online donation webpage. To visit, please click here.

If anybody wishes to hold a fundraising event in aid of their charity then the CFRs will always endeavour to come along and help out.