Costa del Sol

Hearts of gold: New life-saving defibrillators installed across the Costa del Sol

Published

2 weeks ago

May 5, 2026

admin

Installation of new defibrillator in Farmacia Bonanza, Los Boliches.
Credit: AC FMB

Community spirit is proving to be a powerful force in Fuengirola and Mijas this week. Save a Life, the dedicated local charity focused on the installation of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), is accelerating its mission to protect everyone on the Costa del Sol. Recent days have seen a flurry of activity, with new devices appearing in key locations, making sure that emergency medical assistance is never far away.

Age Concern expands safety net in Los Boliches

Age Concern Fuengirola, Mijas & Benalmadena recently unveiled their second life-saving device in collaboration with the Save a Life team. This specific unit now sits outside the Bonanza Pharmacy on Calle San Silvestre in Los Boliches. This addition follows the successful placement of a previous unit at the local community centre.

Funding for these vital tools came directly from the generosity of the public. Supporters raised the necessary capital during a highly successful gala dinner held toward the end of last year. Local volunteers gathered today to mark the occasion, many wearing small red knitted hearts crafted by the Knit and Natter group. This gesture served as a touching tribute to the “heart” of the campaign.

Leadership changes within the organisation also took place during the event. Outgoing President Linda Ewen and Secretary Michelle Greenwood welcomed the newly elected President, Sue Pithouse, and Secretary, Lorraine Smart.

Calahonda and Mijas road expand the movement

Calahonda residents also received a boost to their local safety infrastructure recently. Club la Naranja facilitated the installation of an AED on Calle de Madrid, making this the fifth device funded by the club within this specific Mijas neighbourhood. Such consistent support from local businesses is proving essential in building a comprehensive network of cardiac safety.

New defibrillator at Club la Naranja, Calahonda.
Credit: S.A.L

Retailers are getting involved in creative ways too. Yorkshire Linen on the Mijas Road hosted a bustling charity market on Saturday, 2 May. Stalls packed with handmade arts, crafts, honey, and jewellery drew large crowds. Yorkshire Linen’s Steph announced a staggering €850 was raised from the raffle alone, a figure that will go directly toward purchasing more AED hardware.

Outstanding community effort

Founders Gerry and Jenny Hannan admit that the growth of the campaign has far exceeded their initial expectations. Public engagement has turned a small project into a region-wide safety drive.

Gerry remains humble about the achievements, saying that if these efforts manage to save even one single life, every hour spent fundraising will have been entirely worth it. As the “Save a Life” banner moves into more urbanisations, the Costa del Sol is becoming a much safer place for everyone.

The Oscar goes to…

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SKABUM’s La Voz Kids From Rock Factory

Published

17 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Lucy Ramnought

An extremely talented ska band of children from Marbella left coaches absolutely speechless during the blind auditions of La Voz Kids (The Voice Kids), with their bold mashup of ‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Seven Nation Army’. All four coaches turned their chairs in a unanimous decision, with SKABUM ultimately choosing to join Team Edurne.

The question is what and who are behind the group’s remarkable ability? Bringing the best out of them is training at Rock Factory, the school that keeps on producing the most talked-about children’s bands on Spanish television.

Antonio Orozco, Ana Mena, Edurne and Luis Fonsi didn’t know what hit them

The La Voz Kids stage was hit by something between a force of nature and a massive party. Dressed head to toe in orange and black checks, SKABUM, which consists of six young kids aged between 8 and 12, completely exploded over the room.

The moment the first chords of that ska-flavoured mashup landed, the studio erupted. The band’s technique of this style of music (Ska is upbeat Jamaican dance music blended with jazz and R&B), their composure and incredible sound were enough to turn every single chair. Antonio Orozco, Ana Mena, Edurne and Luis Fonsi all hit their buttons, and their expressions said everything you needed to know once they saw the stage presence of the young band. Fonsi, who grew up singing in a vocal group himself, was so struck by the three vocalists that he asked them to perform a section a cappella on the spot. He wanted a closer listen to harmonies that would be seriously impressive at any age, let alone for girls this young.

Every coach wanted them. In the end, SKABUM picked Team Edurne, giving the Madrid singer a serious contender for the winning title this season.

Rock Factory, where it all began

Musical ability like this at such an age doesn’t happen by chance. SKABUM is the latest act to come out of Rock Factory, a hugely successful school that has earned the esteemed title of Spain’s best in its field. If you’ve watched a children’s band absolutely own prime time television and ever wondered where they came from, the answer keeps being the same place.

Rock Factory’s approach has changed how music education works for young people. For parents who want more than scales and theory exercises, it’s become the go-to. Unlike a traditional music school, Rock Factory trains its students to perform from day one, real stages, real presence, real music.

“We are very proud of Skabum. We are embarking on a new television adventure with our students, which we are going to enjoy immensely,” says Rafa Reyes, teacher and director of Rock Factory. With schools in Malaga and San Pedro Alcantara in Marbella, the centre has quietly crept up and become the most important rock school for young musicians in the country. Where today’s television acts are trained and tomorrow’s industry names are getting started.

SKABUM is now part of Team Edurne, with an exciting journey ahead, television is about to feel the rhythm.

Ska punk in Spain has a new up and coming generation ready to run with it, and they all know where it began, The Rock Factory.

Costa del Sol

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Published

19 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Rachel Gore

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