This is part of a renewed call by the London Ambulance Service for areas with the highest numbers of “defib deserts,” such as Newham, Hackney, and Ealing, to install more of the devices.
The London Ambulance Charity’s Heart Starters campaign has managed to fund 100 defibrillators, but it says that another 100 are still needed.
The devices, which send an electric shock to the heart, give people the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Rob Hutt collapsed last summer while out for a run near his home, but was saved by two people who happened to be nearby.
Mr Hutt said: “I am incredibly lucky to be alive.
“It’s a miracle that I’m here.
“We have amazing paramedics, cardiologists and NHS teams.
“They perform magic, but they can’t work their magic unless defibrillators are available for bystanders to use.”
His survival has motivated him to help others, and he is now raising funds for the London Life Hike.
The charity walk, led by the London Ambulance Charity, will take place on Saturday, September 27, starting from Southwark Park.
Mr Hutt added: “Complete strangers saved my life.
“I’m taking part in the Life Hike because I want others to stand a chance of surviving a cardiac arrest by having access to a defibrillator nearby.
“They saw what was happening and they were willing to take action.
“And by joining the Life Hike, you can save a life like mine.”
Last year, more than 200 Londoners joined the inaugural walk, raising almost £25,000, enough to purchase 15 defibrillators.
This year, the London Ambulance Service wants to raise £160,000 to fund the installation of 100 more defibrillators.
Jess Burgess, head of London Ambulance Charity, said: “I’m calling on Londoners to join us in our shared mission to save lives and make a lasting impact for your local communities.
“We want to come together and get these life-saving devices installed in our local neighbourhoods.”
At the London Life Hike, participants can choose to walk a 6km or a 21km scenic route through central London, taking in many of the city’s iconic landmarks.
As well as walking, there’ll be CPR training, children’s activities, and a chance to see some of the London Ambulance Service’s historic ambulance collection.
To support the charity’s life-saving work by taking on this new challenge, you can register here.
