A TEAM of workers who ran the Derby 10k have given the money they raised to volunteers who attempted to save a man's life after he collapsed on their premises.
Staff at FPCR Environment and Design tried to help the tradesman after he fell ill at Lockington Hall, near Castle Donington, where the firm and several others are based.
They called 999 and members of Castle Donington Community First Responders – volunteers who can be called on to attend medical emergencies ahead of an ambulance – arrived to help.
The man later died but Helen Kirk, associate at FPCR, said the first responders did everything they could and felt it would be fitting to raise money for them.
She said: "These guys are the first port of call when there's an emergency. They are so close to our offices and they can save lives.
"And, obviously, they did attend the hall last year. The chap was a tradesman who we think was doing work for another company based here, and he just collapsed.
"Although the gentleman didn't survive, we tried to help and the community first responders did all they could to help him. They do need help raising funds and we just thought it was the best choice of charity this year."
Twenty-one workers at the firm took part in the Derby 10k in April, raising £700. It is the fifth year in succession they have entered the event's Cooper Parry Business Team Challenge.
Helen said: "It's always part of our post-Christmas let's-get-fit tradition. Everyone really enjoys raising money for charity."
Ian Beard, who co-ordinates the Castle Donington Community First Responders group and who attended the incident last year. He said: "We're extremely grateful to the company.
"The money could not come at a better time because we're receiving new training from East Midlands Ambulance Service and this money will pay for new equipment."
Meanwhile, the group will be outside the Huntingdon Stores, in Castle Donington, to help unveil a new defibrillator in the village.
Money for the device has been raised by charity Golddiggers, which collects cash and raises awareness of good causes in the village.
The unveiling will take place tonight at 6.30pm. It is the second defibrillator in Castle Donington accessible to the public.
