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